Alkynylated quinazoline compounds

ABSTRACT

A compound selected from those of formula (I): 
                 
     wherein   W 1  represents O, S, or —NR 3  in which R 3  represents hydrogen, alkyl, OH or CN;   W 2  represents a group selected from hydrogen, CF 3 , NH 2 , monoalkylamino, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycle, these groups being optionally substituted,   or W 1  and W 2  form together a group of formula —N═X 4 —W 3 — as defined in the description,   X 1 , X 2  and X 3  represent N or C optionally substituted,   n is 0 to 8,   Z represents —CR 12 R 13 , wherein R 12  and R 13  are as defined in the description,   A represents a ring system,   the groups R 2  represent hydrogen or various chemical groups as defined in the description,   q is 0 to 7;   R 1  represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or a ring system,
 
and optionally, its optical isomers, N-oxide, and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base, and medicinal products containing the same are useful as specific inhibitors of type-13 matrix metalloprotease.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority from PCT Internationalpatent application nos. PCT/EP01/11824, filed Oct. 12, 2001, andPCT/EP02/08475, filed Jul. 12, 2002, and U.S. provisional patentapplication nos. 60/329,181, filed Oct. 12, 2001, and 60/395,441, filedJuly 12, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel alkynylated fused ring pyrimidinecompounds which are useful for preparing medicinal products for treatingcomplaints involving a therapy with a matrix metalloprotease-13 (MMP-13)inhibitor. These medicinal products are useful in particular fortreating certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis orosteoarthritis, as well as certain proliferative conditions such ascancers.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes which are involved in therenewal of extracellular matrix tissue, such as cartilage, tendons andjoints. MMPs bring about the destruction of the extracellular matrixtissue, which is compensated for, in a non-pathological physiologicalstate, by its simultaneous regeneration.

Under normal physiological conditions, the activity of these extremelyaggressive peptidases is controlled by specialized proteins, whichinhibit MMPs, such as the tissue inhibitors of metalloprotease (TIMPs).

Local equilibrium of the activities of MMPs and of TIMPs is critical forthe renewal of the extracellular matrix. Modifications of thisequilibrium, which result in an excess of active MMPs, relative to theirinhibitor, induce a pathological destruction of cartilage, which isobserved in particular in rheumatoid arthritis and in osteoarthritis.

In pathological situations, an irreversible degradation of articularcartilage takes place, as is the case in rheumatic diseases such asrheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. In these pathologies, thecartilage degradation process predominates, leading to a destruction ofthe tissue and resulting in a loss of function.

At least twenty different matrix metalloproteases have been identifiedto date and are subdivided into four groups, the collagenases, thegelatinases, the stromelysins and the membrane-type MMPs (MT-MMPs),respectively.

Matrix metalloprotease-13 (MMP-13) is a collagenase-type MMP whichconstitutes the predominant collagenase observed during osteoarthritis,in the course of which pathology the chondrocyte directs the destructionof cartilage.

There is a need in the prior art for novel MMP inhibitors, moreparticularly for MMP-13 inhibitors, in order to prevent and/or correctthe imbalance in the renewal of extracellular matrix tissue, such asarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis,periodontal diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, multiplesclerosis, cardiac insufficiency, atherosclerosis, asthma, chronicobstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), age-related macular degeneration(ARMD) and cancer.

MMP-inhibitor compounds are known. Most of these MMP-inhibitors are notselective for a single MMP, such as those described by Montana andBaxter (2000) or by Clark et al. (2000).

There is also a need in the prior art for novel inhibitors that areactive on matrix metalloprotease-13, in order to enrich the therapeuticarsenal that can be used for treating pathologies associated with thedestruction of the extracellular matrix and with cancer.

PRIOR ART DESCRIPTION

The patent application WO9826664 describes quinazolinone compounds whichare used as new antifungic compounds. The U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,631describes new dioxoquinazoline and dioxobenzodiazepine amino acidderivatives which are analogs as fibrinogen receptor antagonists and canbe used in the treatment of pathologies wherein inhibition of thefibrinogen of blood and inhibition of the aggregation of blood plateletsare involved. The U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,818,819 and 4,902,796 describes aprocess for the preparation of some alkenyl derivatives ofpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine, which are chemicals intermediates for thepreparation of antineoplastic agents.

The compounds of the present application are novel and representpowerful inhibitors of MMP-13. They are consequently of use in thetreatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis,periodontal diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, multiplesclerosis, cardiac insufficiency, atherosclerosis, asthma, chronicobstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs), age-related degeneration (ARMD)and cancer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The applicant has identified novel alkynylated fused ring pyrimidinecompounds that are matrix metalloprotease inhibitors, and morespecifically compounds that are selective MMP-13 inhibitors. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I):

wherein

-   W₁ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a —NR₃ group in    which R₃ represents hydrogen atom, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxyl or cyano,-   W₂ represents a group selected from:    -   hydrogen atom, trifluoromethyl, amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,        di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,    -   (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, aryl,        aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, 5- or 6-membered        monocycle heteroaryl, and 5- or 6-membered monocycle        heterocycloalkyl, each of these groups being optionally        substituted by one to four groups, which may be identical or        different independently of each other, selected from halogen,        amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, cyano,        trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₇)acyl, —C(═O)OR₄, —OR₄ and —SR₄,        wherein R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or a (C₁-C₆)alkyl group,        or W₁ and W₂ form together a group of formula N—X₄═W₃ (in which        the nitrogen atom is bound in place of the group W₁ and the        group W₃ is bound in place of the group W₂) wherein:    -   W₃ represents a nitrogen atom or a group —CR₅ in which R₅ is        selected from:        -   a hydrogen atom,        -   —OR₆, —SR₆ in which R₆ is selected from hydrogen,            (C₁-C₆)alkyl and aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl;        -   (C₁-C₆)alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,            heteroaryl, and heterocycloalkyl, each of these groups being            optionally substituted by a group selected from            —(CH₂)_(p)—OH and —(CH₂)_(p)—NH₂, wherein p is an integer            from 0 to 4 inclusive,    -   X₄ represents a nitrogen atom or a group —CR₇ in which R₇ is        selected from hydrogen, —NR₈R₉, —OR₈, —SR₈, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,        cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, heteroaryl, and        heterocycloalkyl,        -   each of these groups being optionally substituted by a group            selected from —(CH₂)_(p)—OH and —(CH₂)_(p)—NH₂, wherein p is            as defined hereinbefore,        -   and in which R₈ and R₉, identical or different independently            of each other, are selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl and            aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,-   X₁, X₂ and X₃, identical or different independently of each other,    represent a nitrogen atom or a carbon atom, the said carbon atom    being optionally substituted by one group selected from:    -   (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl,        cyano, nitro,    -   —S(O)_(n1)R₄ wherein n₁ represents an integer from 0 to 2        inclusive and R₄ represents an hydrogen atom or a (C₁-C₆)alkyl        group,    -   and —NR₁₀R₁₁ wherein:        -   R₁₀ and R₁₁, which may be identical or different            independently of each other, represent a group selected from            hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, and            aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,        -   or R₁₀ and R₁₁ form together with the nitrogen atom to which            there are bound, a 5- or 6-ring members which can optionally            contain a second hetero atom selected from nitrogen and            oxygen, and which can be optionally substituted by a            (C₁-C₆)alkyl group,            with the proviso that not more than two of the groups X₁, X₂            and X₃ simultaneously represent a nitrogen atom,-   n is an integer from 0 to 8 inclusive,-   Z represents —CR₁₂R₁₃, wherein R₁₂ and R₁₃, identical or different    independently of each other, represent a group selected from    hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen, amino,    mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, —OR₄, —SR₄, —C(═O)OR₄,    R₄ being as defined hereinbefore, or —CR₁₂R₁₃ form together a    carbonyl group, and    -   wherein when n is greater than or equal to 2, the hydrocarbon        chain Z optionally contains one or two isolated or conjugated        multiple bonds,    -   and/or wherein when n is greater than or equal to 2 one of said        —CR₁₂R₁₃ may be replaced with a group selected from oxygen,        S(O)_(n2) in which n2 represents an integer from 0 to 2        inclusive, —NH and —N(C₁-C₆)alkyl,-   A represents a group selected from aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, and    heterocycloalkyl, these groups being a 5- or 6-membered monocycle,    or bicycle itself composed of two 5- or 6-membered monocycles,-   the groups R₂, which may be identical or different independently of    each other, are selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen,    cyano, nitro, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR₁₀R₁₁, —OR₁₄, —SR₁₄,    —SOR₁₄, —SO₂R₁₄, (C₁-C₇)acyl, —(CH₂)_(k)NR₁₀R₁₁,    —X₅(CH₂)_(k)NR₁₀OR₁₁, —(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄,    —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅,    —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅, —X₆—R₁₆ and tri(C₁-C₆)alkyl-Si—O— in which    each alkyl is identical or different independently of each other,    and in which:    -   X₅ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a —NH group, or a        —N(C₁-C₆)alkyl group,    -   k is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive,    -   R₁₀ and R₁₁ are as defined hereinbefore,    -   R₁₄ and R₁₅, identical or different independently of each other,        represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl,    -   X₆ represents a single bond, —CH₂—, an oxygen atom or a sulfur        atom which is optionally substituted with one or two oxygen        atoms,    -   R₁₆ represents a group selected from aryl, heteroaryl,        heterocycloalkyl, and cycloalkyl, each of these groups being        optionally substituted by one to four groups, which may be        identical or different independently of each other, selected        from (C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxyl,        (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, mercapto, (C₁-C₆)alkylthio, amino,        mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, and di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,-   q is an integer from 0 to 7 inclusive,-   R₁ represents a group selected from:    -   hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, and (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, the        groups alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl being optionally substituted        by one to three groups, which may be identical or different        independently of each other, selected from amino,        mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, cyano,        trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —C(═O)OR₄, —OR₄, —SR₄, in which R₄ is        as defined hereinbefore,    -   and the group of formula:        in which:    -   m is an integer from 0 to 8 inclusive,    -   Y represents —CR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₈ and R₁₉, identical or        different independently of each other, represent a group        selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, phenyl,        trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen, amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,        di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, —OR₄, —SR₄ and —C(═O)OR₄ wherein R₄ is as        defined hereinbefore, and        -   wherein when m is greater than or equal to 2, the            hydrocarbon chain Y optionally contains one or two isolated            or conjugated multiple bonds,        -   and/or wherein when m is greater than or equal to 2, one of            said —CR₁₈R₁₉ may be replaced with a group selected from            oxygen, —S(O)_(n) ₃ wherein n3 is an integer from 0 to 2            inclusive, —NH— and —N(C₁-C₆)alkyl,    -   B represents a group selected from aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl,        and heterocycloalkyl, these groups being a 5- or 6-membered        monocycle, or bicycle itself composed of two 5- or 6-membered        monocycles,    -   r is an integer from 0 to 7 inclusive,    -   the group(s) R₁₇, which may be identical or different        independently of each other, are selected from hydrogen,        (C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl,        —NR₁₀R₁₁, —OR₁₄, —SR₁₄, —SOR₁₄, —SO₂R₁₄, (C₁-C₇)acyl,        —(CH₂)_(k)NR₁₀R₁₁, —(CH₂)_(k)—OR₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)—SR₁₄,        —(CH₂)_(k)—SOR₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)—SO₂R₁₄, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)NR₁₀R₁₁,        —(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄,        —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₀R₁₁,        —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₀R₁₁, —X₆—R₁₆, and —(CH₂)_(k)—C(O)—OR₂₀, in        which:        -   X₅, k, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₄, R₁₅, X₆ and R₁₆ are as defined            hereinbefore,        -   and R₂₀ represents a group selected from —T—OR₁₄,            —T—NR₁₀R₁₁, —T—C(O)OR₁₄, —T—C(O)NR₁₀R₁₁ in which T            represents a linear or branched (C₁-C₆)alkylene chain and            R₁₄, R₁₀, and R₁₁ are as defined hereinbefore,            and optionally, their optical isomers, N-oxides, and            addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable            acid or base,            with the proviso that when W₁ represents —NR₃, W₂ represents            hydrogen atom, X₁ and X₂ represent each a —CH group, X₃            represents nitrogen atom, n is equal to zero, A represents a            phenyl group, q is equal to one, R₁ represents hydrogen            atom, and R₂ represents a group —(CH₂)_(k)—CO₂R₁₄ bound on            the para position of the phenyl ring, then k is an integer            from 1 to 6,            and also with the proviso that compounds of formula (I) is            not 2-amino-6-phenylethynyl-3H-pteridin-4-one.

According to a first embodiment, the invention relates to compounds offormula (I) wherein:

-   W₁ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a —NR₃ group in    which R₃ represents hydrogen atom, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxyl or cyano,-   W₂ represents a group selected from:    -   hydrogen atom, trifluoromethyl, amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,        di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,    -   (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, aryl,        aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, 5- or 6-membered        monocycle heteroaryl, and 5- or 6-membered monocycle        heterocycloalkyl, each of these groups being optionally        substituted by one to four groups, which may be identical or        different independently of each other, selected from halogen,        amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, cyano,        trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₇)acyl, —C(═O)OR₄, —OR₄ and —SR₄,        wherein R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or a (C₁-C₆)alkyl group,        and X₁, X₂, X₃, R₁, R₂, A, Z, n and q are as defined        hereinbefore.

According to a second embodiment, the invention relates to compounds offormula (I) corresponding to formula (IA):

wherein:

-   W₃ represents a nitrogen atom or a group —CR₅ in which R₅ is    selected from:    -   a hydrogen atom,    -   —OR₆, —SR₆ in which R₆ is selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl        and aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl;    -   (C₁-C₆)alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, heteroaryl,        and heterocycloalkyl, each of these groups being optionally        substituted by a group selected from —(CH₂)_(p)—OH and        —(CH₂)_(p)—NH₂, wherein p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive,    -   X₄ represents a nitrogen atom or a group —CR₇ in which R₇ is        selected from hydrogen, —NR₈R₉, —OR₈, —SR₈, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,        cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, heteroaryl, and        heterocycloalkyl,        -   each of these groups being optionally substituted by a group            selected from —(CH₂)_(p)—OH and —(CH₂)_(p)—NH₂, wherein p is            as defined hereinbefore,        -   and in which R₈ and R₉, identical or different independently            of each other, are selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl and            aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,            and X₁, X₂, X₃, R₁, R₂, A, Z, n and q are as defined in            formula (I).

The invention relates particularly to the compounds of formula (I) inwhich:

-   W₂ represents a group selected from hydrogen atom, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,    aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl and (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,-   W₁ represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom,-   X₁ represents a —CH group,-   X₂ represents a —CH group or a nitrogen atom,-   X₃ represents a —CH group,    and R₁, R₂, A, Z, n and q are as defined in formula (I).

The invention relates also particularly to the compounds of formula (I)in which:

-   W₂ represents a group selected from hydrogen atom, amino,    mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,    (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, and    (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,-   W₁ represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom,-   X₁ represents a nitrogen atom or a —CH group-   X₂ represents a —CH group,-   X₃ represents a —CH group,    and R₁, R₂, A, Z, n and q are as defined in formula (I).

In a particular embodiment the invention relates to the compounds offormula (IA):

wherein:

-   W₃ represents —CR₅ wherein R₅ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl    group,-   X₄ represents a nitrogen atom or —CR₇ wherein R₇ represents a    hydrogen atom or a methyl group,-   n is an integer from 1 to 4 inclusive,    and X₁, X₂, X₃, R₁, R₂, A, Z and q are as defined in the formula    (I).

In another embodiment, the invention relates particularly to thecompounds of formula (I) in which:

-   W₂ represents a group (C₁-C₆)alkyl,-   W₁ represents an oxygen atom,-   X₁ represents a —CH— group,-   X₂ represents a —CH— group,-   X₃ represents a —CH— group,    and R₁, R₂, A, Z, n and q are as defined in formula (I).

The invention also relates to the compounds of formula (I) in which:

-   A represents a group selected from phenyl, pyridyl, thienyl,    imidazolyl, furyl, benzodioxolyl, benzodioxinyl, benzothienyl,    benzofuryl, benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, benzo-1,2,5-oxadiazolyl and    indolyl,-   q is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive,-   the group(s) R₂, which may be identical or different, are selected    from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen, cyano, nitro,    trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR₁₄R₁₅, —OR₁₄, —SO₂R₁₄,    —(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄,    —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅ and —X₆—R₁₆ in    which:    -   X₅ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a —NH group,    -   k is an integer from 0 and 3 inclusive,    -   R₁₄ and R₁₅ identical or different, independently of each other,        represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl,    -   X₆ represents an oxygen atom,    -   R₁₆ represents a phenyl group which is optionally substituted        with one or more groups, which may be identical or different,        independently of each other, selected from (C₁-C₆)alkyl,        halogen, and hydroxyl,        and W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃, R₁, Z and n are as defined in formula        (I).

The invention also relates to the compounds of formula (I) in which:

-   A represents a group selected from phenyl, pyridinyl, thienyl,    imidazolyl, furyl, and benzodioxolyl,-   q is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive,-   the group(s) R₂, which may be identical or different independently    of each other, are selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen,    cyano, nitro, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR₁₄R₁₅, —OR₁₄, —SO₂R₁₄,    —(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄,    —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅, and —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅ in which:    -   X₅ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a —NH group,    -   k is an integer from 0 and 3 inclusive,    -   R₁₄ and R₁₅ identical or different, independently of each other,        represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl,        and W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃, R₁, Z and n are as defined in formula        (I).

The invention also relates to the compounds of formula (I) in which:

-   A represents a group selected from phenyl, imidazolyl,    1H-[1,2,3]triazolyl, and 1H-[1,2,4]triazolyl,-   q is an integer from 0 to 2 inclusive,-   the group(s) R₂, which may be identical or different, independently    of each other, are selected from hydrogen, —OR₁₄, —X₆—R₁₆, and    tri(C₁-C₆)alkyl-Si—O— in which each alkyl is identical or different    independently of each other, in which:    -   R₁₄ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl,    -   X₆ represents a single bond,    -   R₁₆ represents a phenyl group        and W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃, R₁, Z and n are as defined in formula        (I).

The substituent A that is preferred according to the invention is thephenyl group or the 1-imidazolyl group optionally substituted by onegroup R₂ as defined in the compound of the formula (I).

The substituent A that is preferred according to a specific embodimentof the invention is the phenyl group optionally substituted by one groupR₂ as defined in the compound of the formula (I).

Especially preferred compounds of the invention are compounds of formula(I) wherein A, R₂ and q, took together, represent a para-methoxyphenylgroup.

Preferred compounds of the invention are those compounds of formula (I)wherein n is equal to one.

Advantageously, preferred compounds of the invention are those compoundsof formula (I) wherein Z represents a group —CR₁₂R₁₃ in which R₁₂ andR₁₃ represent each a hydrogen atom.

The invention also relates to the compounds of formula (I) in which R₁represents hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl or the group of formula:

in which:

-   -   m is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive,    -   Y represents —CR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₈ and R₁₉, identical or        different independently of each other, represent a group        selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, and phenyl,        -   and wherein when m is greater than or equal to 2, the            hydrocarbon chain Y optionally contains one multiple bonds,        -   and/or wherein when m is greater than or equal to 2,one of            said —CR₁₈R₁₉ may be replaced with a group selected from            oxygen, —S(O)_(n) ₃ wherein n3 is an integer from 0 to 2            inclusive, and —NH—,    -   B represents a group selected from phenyl, pyridinyl, thienyl,        imidazolyl, furyl, benzodioxolyl, benzodioxinyl, benzothienyl,        benzofuryl, benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, benzo-1,2,5-oxadiazolyl,        naphtyl and indolyl,    -   r is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive,    -   the group(s) R₁₇ which may be identical or different,        independently of each other, are selected from hydrogen,        (C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl,        —NR₁₄R₁₅, —OR₁₄, —SO₂R₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅,        —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄,        —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅ wherein:        -   k is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive,        -   X₅ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a group            —NH—,        -   R₁₄ and R₁₅, identical or different independently of each            other, represent a hydrogen atom or a (C₁-C₆)alkyl group,            and W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃, R₂, Z, n and q are as defined in            formula (I).

The invention relates also to the compound of formula (I) in which R₁represents a group of formula:

in which:

-   -   m is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive,    -   Y represents —CR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₈ and R₁₉, identical or        different independently of each other, represent a group        selected from hydrogen and methyl, and        -   wherein when m is greater than or equal to 2, the            hydrocarbon chain Y optionally contains one double bonds,        -   and/or wherein when m is greater than or equal to 2, one of            said —CR₁₈R₁₉ may be replaced with a group selected from            oxygen, —S(O)_(n3) wherein n3 is an integer from 0 to 2            inclusive, and —NH—,    -   B represents a group selected from phenyl, pyridinyl, thienyl,        imidazolyl, furyl, and benzodioxolyl,    -   r is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive,    -   the group(s) R₁₇ which may be identical or different,        independently of each other, are selected from hydrogen,        (C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl,        —NR₁₄R₁₅, —OR₁₄, —SO₂R₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅,        —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, (CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄,        —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅ wherein:        -   k is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive,        -   X₅ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a group —NH,        -   R₁₄ and R₁₅, identical or different independently of each            other, represent a hydrogen atom or a (C₁-C₆)alkyl group,            and W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃, R₂, Z, n and q are as defined in            formula (I).

Still other preferred compounds of the invention are compounds offormula (I) wherein W₂ represents an oxygen atom, W₁ represents a linearor branched (C₁-C₆)alkyl group and R₁ represents a group of formula:

in which Y, B, R₁₇, m and r are as defined in the compound of formula(I).

The substituent R₁ that is preferred according to the invention is thegroup of formula:

in which m is equal to one, Y represents a methylene group, B representsa phenyl group which is optionally substituted with one group R₁₇ whichrepresents a group (CH₂)_(k)—C(═O)OR₁₄ in which k and R₁₄ are as definedin the compound of formula (I).

Still other preferred compounds of the invention are compounds offormula (IA) wherein W₁ and W₂ form together a group or formula N—X₄═W₃wherein W₃ represents a group —CR₅ in which R₅ is an hydrogen atom, X₄represents an nitrogen atom and R₁ represents a group of formula:

in which Y, B, R₁₇, m and r are as defined in the compound of formula(IA).

Still other preferred compounds of the invention are compounds offormula (IA) wherein R₁ represents a group of formula:

in which m is equal to one, Y represents a methylene group, B representsa phenyl group which is optionally substituted with one group R₁₇ whichrepresents a group —(CH₂)_(k)—C(═O)OR₁₄ in which k and R₁₄ are asdefined in the compound of formula (IA).

The substituent R₁ that is preferred according to the invention is thegroup of formula:

in which m is equal to one, Y represents a methylene group, B representsa phenyl group, r is equal to one, and R₁₇ represents a group selectedfrom —(CH₂)_(k)—C(═O)OR₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)—OR₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₀R₁₁,—(CH₂)_(k)—C(O)—OR₂₀, in which:

-   -   k, R₁₀, R₁₁, and R₁₄ are as defined in the compound of formula        (I),    -   and R₂₀ represents a group —T—NR₁₀R₁₁, in which T represents a        linear or branched (C₂-C₄)alkylene chain and R₁₀, and R₁₁ are as        defined in the compound of formula (I).

More particularly, the invention related to the following compounds offormula (I):

-   methyl    4-{6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoate,-   4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoic    acid,-   4-{6-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoic    acid,-   4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoic    acid,-   4-{6-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoic    acid,-   4-benzyl-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-one,-   4-benzyl-7-[(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-4H-[1,2,4]-triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-one,-   methyl    4-{7-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-5-oxo-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-4-ylmethyl}-benzoate,-   4-[5-oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-4-ylmethyl]-benzoic    acid,-   4-(1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(2-phenylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoic    acid,-   3-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione,-   3-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione,-   methyl    4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate,-   3-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione,-   3-(3-chloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   3-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl    -prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   3-(4-bromo-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   tert-butyl    4-[6-(3-biphenyl-4-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate,-   tert-butyl    4-{6-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoate,-   4-[6-(3-imidazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoic    acid-trifluoro-acetic acid,-   3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-6-(3-imidazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   2-dimethylamino-ethyl    4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate,-   4-(6-{3-[4-(tert-butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-phenyl]-prop-1-ynyl}-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoic    acid,-   N,N-dimethyl-4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzamide,-   1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-3-[4-(piperidine-1-carbonyl)-benzyl]-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   N-ethyl-4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzamide,-   6-[3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   3-(3-chloro-benzyl)-6-[3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   3-(4-hydroxymethyl-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   1-methyl-3-[4-(4-methyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzyl]-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   N,N-bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzamide,-   3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-6-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   3-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,-   and    3-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione.

The optical isomers, the N-oxides, as well as the addition salts with apharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base, of the preferred compounds andthe various embodiment of the invention form an integral part of theinvention.

The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising asactive ingredient an effective amount of a compound of formula (I)together with one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients orcarriers.

Another embodiment of the invention concerns the use of the compound offormula (I) for the preparation of a medicinal product intended fortreating a disease involving therapy by inhibition of matrixmetalloprotease, and more particularly of type-13 matrixmetalloprotease.

The invention also relates to a method for treating a living bodyafflicted with a disease involving a therapy by inhibition of matrixmetalloprotease, and more particularly of type-13 matrixmetalloprotease, the said method comprising the administration of aneffective amount of a compound of formula (I) to a patient in needthereof.

A preferred method of treatment according to this invention is treatmentof a disease selected from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, periodontal diseases, inflammatory boweldisease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, cardiac insufficiency,atherosclerosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases,age-related degeneration and cancers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The compounds provided by this invention are those defined in formula(I). In formula (I), it is understood that:

-   -   a (C₁-C₆)alkyl group denotes a linear or branched group        containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms ; example of such groups,        without implying any limitation are methyl, ethyl, propyl,        isopropyl, tert-butyl, neopentyl, hexyl,    -   a (C₂-C₆)alkenyl group denotes a linear or branched group        containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and one or more double        bonds ; examples of such groups without implying any limitation        are vinyl, allyl, 3-buten-1-yl, 2-methyl-buten-1-yl, hexenyl,    -   a (C₂-C₆)alkynyl group denotes a linear or branched group        containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and one or more triple        bonds ; examples of such groups without implying any limitation        are ethynyl, propynyl, 3-butyn-1-yl, 2-methyl-butyn-1-yl,        hexynyl,    -   a (C₁-C₆)alkoxy group means the alkyl group as mentioned above        bound through an oxygen atom; examples of such compounds without        implying any limitation are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propyloxy,        tert-butyloxy,    -   a mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino denotes a amino group substituted by one        (C₁-C₆)alkyl group as defined hereinbefore ; example of such        groups, without implying any limitation are methyl amino,        isobutyl amino, ethylamino,    -   a di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino denotes a amino group substituted by two        (C₁-C₆)alkyl groups as defined hereinbefore, each alkyl group        being identical or different independently of each other;        example of such groups, without implying any limitation are        dimethylamino, diethylamino,    -   an aryl group denotes an aromatic monocyclic or bicyclic system        containing from 5 to 10 carbon atoms, and in the case of a        bicyclic system, one of the ring of which is aromatic in        character, and the other ring of which may be aromatic or        partially hydrogenated; examples of such groups without implying        any limitation are, phenyl, naphthyl, indenyl,        benzocyclobutenyl,    -   a heteroaryl group denotes an aryl group as described above in        which 1 to 4 carbon atoms are replaced by 1 to 4 hetero atoms        selected from oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen examples of such        groups without implying any limitation are furyl, thienyl,        pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, benzofuryl,        benzothienyl, indolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, imidazolyl,        benzodioxolyl, benzodioxinyl, benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazolyl,        benzo[1,2,5]oxadiazolyl, [1,2,3]triazolyl, [1,2,4]triazolyl,    -   a cycloalkyl group denotes a monocyclic or bicyclic system        containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, this system being        saturated or partially unsaturated but without aromatic        character; examples of such groups without implying any        limitation are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,        cyclooctyl, cycloheptyl, adamantyl, decalinyl, norbornyl,    -   a heterocycloalkyl group denotes a cycloalkyl group as defined        hereinbefore in which 1 to 4 carbon atoms are replaced by 1 to 4        hetero atoms selected from oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen,    -   a bicycle denotes two fused-monocycle or two bridged-monocycle,    -   a trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl group denotes an alkyl group as        defined above which contains a trihalogeno group; examples of        such groups without implying any limitation are trifluoromethyl,        2,2,2-trifluoroethyl,    -   a (C₁-C₇)acyl group denotes an alkyl group or a phenyl group as        defined above bound through a carbonyl group; examples of such        groups without implying any limitation are acetyl,        ethylcarbonyl, benzoyl,    -   a multiple bond denotes double bond or triple bond,    -   a halogen atom means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo,    -   optical isomers refer to racemates, enantiomers and        diastereoisomers.

The invention also relates to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts ofthe compounds of formula (I). A review of the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts will be found in J. Pharm. Sci., 1977, 66, 1-19.

Pharmaceutically acceptable acids mean non-toxic mineral or organicacids. Among those there may be mentioned, without implying anylimitation, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid,phosphonic acid, nitric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, trifluoroaceticacid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaricacid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, ascorbic acid, oxalicacid, methanesulfonic acid, camphoric acid, benzoic acid,toluenesulfonic acid, etc. . . .

Pharmaceutically acceptable bases mean non-toxic mineral or organicbases. Among those, there may be mentioned, without implying anylimitation, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide,triethylamine, tert-butylamine, dibenzylethylenediamine, piperidine,pyrrolidine, benzylamine, quaternary ammonium hydroxides etc. . . .

The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of compoundsof formula (I), which uses as starting material a compound of formula(II):

in which R₁, W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂ and X₃ have the same definitions as thecompounds of formula (I), and T₁ represents a group selected fromhydrogen, halogen, mesylate, triflate, formyl, acetyl, and ester,compound of formula (II) which is treated:

-   -   either when T₁ represents an halogen atom, a mesylate group, or        a triflate group, in the presence of a base under conditions of        palladium-catalyzed alkynylation with a compound of formula        (III):        in which A, Z, R₂, q and n are as defined for the compounds of        formula (I), to yield the compounds of formula (I),    -   or when T₁ represents an hydrogen atom, with iodine to yield in        situ the corresponding iodide intermediate, which is treated        directly without isolation or purification, with a compound of        formula (III) as described hereinbefore, under conditions of        palladium-catalyzed alkynylation in the presence of a base, to        yield the compounds of formula (I),    -   or when T₁ represents an iodine atom, with        2-trimethylsilylacetylene under conditions of        palladium-catalyzed alkynylation in the presence of a base, to        yield the compounds of formula (IVa):        in which R₁, W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂ and X₃ are as defined hereinbefore,        and subsequently treated the compound of formula (IVa) with a        strong base in polar solvant, to yield the free alcyne compound        of formula (IV):        in which R₁, W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂ and X₃ are as defined hereinbefore,    -   or when T₁ represents an acetyl group, first with lithium        diisopropylamine at −78° C. in an inert solvent to provide an        enolate, second with diethyl chlorophosphate and subsequently        with lithium diisopropylamine, to yield a compound of formula        (IV):        in which R₁, W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂ and X₃ are as defined hereinbefore,        and condensing the compound of formula (IV), in the presence of        triphenylphosphin and PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂, under basic conditions to a        compound of formula (V):        in which A, Z, R₂, q and n are as defined hereinbefore and G        represents a leaving group, to yield the compound of formula        (I),    -   or when T₁ represents an ester group, with a reductive agent, to        yield the corresponding aldehyde compound of formula (VI):        in which R₁, W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂ and X₃ are as defined hereinbefore,        and subsequently:    -   either condensing said compound of formula (VI), in basic        conditions, with diazomethyl trimethyl silane or with        diazomethyl diethoxy phosphonate, to yield, after basic        treatment, a compound of formula (IV) as defined hereinbefore:    -   and adding said compound of formula (IV) to a compound of        formula (V) as described hereinbefore:    -   in which R₂, A, Z, q, n and G are as defined hereinbefore, to        yield the compound of formula (I),    -   or reacting, said compound of formula (VI), with        tetrabromomethane in the presence of triphenylphosphine in an        aprotic solvent to yield a compound of formula (VII):    -   in which R₁, W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂ and X₃ are as defined hereinbefore,        and dehalogenating said compound of formula (VII) through        treatment with a strong base in an inert solvent, or with        butyllithium in presence of triphenylphosphine and zinc, to        yield the compound of formula (IV) as defined hereinbefore, and        reacting said compound of formula (IV) with a compound of        formula (V) as defined in the previous step to yield a compound        of a general formula (I):

The compounds of formula (I) are purified, where appropriate, accordingto a conventional purification technique, and separated, whereappropriate, into their different isomers according to a conventionalseparation technique, and converted, where appropriate, into additionsalts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.

The compounds of formula (IV):

wherein W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃ and R₁ are as defined in compounds of formula(I) are novel useful intermediates for the preparation of compounds offormula (I).

The compounds of formula (VI)

wherein W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃ and R₁ are as defined in compounds of formula(I) are also novel useful intermediates for the preparation of compoundsof formula (I).

The compounds of formula (II) used as starting material may bedistinguished into two groups which are respectively represented:

-   -   by the compounds of the formula (II/A):        wherein:

-   W₁ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a —NR₃ group in    which R₃ represents hydrogen atom, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxyl or cyano,

-   W₂ represents a group selected from:    -   hydrogen atom, trifluoromethyl, amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,        di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,    -   (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, aryl,        aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, 5- or 6-membered        monocycle heteroaryl, and 5- or 6-membered monocycle        heterocycloalkyl, each of these groups being optionally        substituted by one to four groups, which may be identical or        different independently of each other, selected from halogen,        amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, cyano,        trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₇)acyl, —C(═O)OR₄, —OR₄ and —SR₄,        wherein R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or a (C₁-C₆)alkyl group,        T₁ represents a group selected from hydrogen, halogen, mesylate,        triflate, formyl, acetyl, and ester, and R₁, X₁, X₂, and X₃ are        as defined in the compounds of formula (I),    -   and by the compounds of formula (II/B):        wherein:

-   W₃ represents a nitrogen atom or a group —CR₅ in which R₅ is    selected from:    -   a hydrogen atom,    -   —OR₆, —SR₆ in which R₆ is selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl        and aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl;    -   (C₁-C₆)alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, heteroaryl,        and heterocycloalkyl, each of these groups being optionally        substituted by a group selected from —(CH₂)_(p)—OH and        —(CH₂)_(p)—NH₂, wherein p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive,

-   X₄ represents a nitrogen atom or a group —CR₇ in which R₇ is    selected from hydrogen, —NR₈R₉, —OR₈, —SR₈, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,    cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, heteroaryl, and    heterocycloalkyl,    -   each of these groups being optionally substituted by a group        selected from —(CH₂)_(p)—OH and —(CH₂)_(p)—NH₂, wherein p is as        defined hereinbefore,    -   and in which R₈ and R₉, identical or different independently of        each other, are selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl and        aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,

-   T₁ represents a group selected from hydrogen, halogen, mesylate,    triflate, formyl, acetyl, and ester, and R₁, X₁, X₂, and X₃ are as    defined in the compound of formula (I).

-   In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the process for the    preparation of compounds of formula (I) comprises the following    step:    -   reacting as starting material, a compound of formula (II/A):        in which W₁ represents an oxygen atom, W₂ represents a        (C₁-C₆)alkyl group, X₁ represents a —CH group, X₂ represents a        nitrogen atom or a —CH group, X₃ represents a —CH group, and T₁        represent a iodine atom or a triflate group, and R₁ represents a        group of formula:        in which Y represents a methylene group, m is equal to one, B        represents a phenyl group, R₁₇ is as defined in the compound of        formula (I) and r is equal to one,    -   with, as reagent, a compound of formula (III):        in which Z represents a methylene group, n is equal to one, A is        a phenyl group, q is equal to zero or one, and R₂ is as defined        in the compound of formula (I),        to yield a compound of formula (I/a), which constitutes a        particular subgroup of the compounds of formula (I):        in which W₂, X₂, R₂, q and R₁₇ are as defined hereinbefore.

The compounds of formula (II/A)

wherein:

-   W₁ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a —NR₃ group in    which R₃ represents hydrogen atom, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxyl or cyano,-   W₂ represents a group selected from:    -   hydrogen atom, trifluoromethyl, amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,        di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,    -   (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, aryl,        aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, 5- or 6-membered        monocycle heteroaryl, and 5- or 6-membered monocycle        heterocycloalkyl, each of these groups being optionally        substituted by one to four groups, which may be identical or        different independently of each other, selected from halogen,        amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, cyano,        trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₇)acyl, —C(═O)OR₄, —OR₄ and —SR₄,        wherein R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or a (C₁-C₆)alkyl group,-   T₁ represents a halogen atom, and R₁, X₁, X₂, and X₃ are as defined    in the compounds of formula (I), are also novel useful intermediates    for the preparation of compounds of formula (I).

The compounds of formula (II/A) may be obtained through the syntheticway described in scheme 1.

In these compounds of formulae (II/A1) and (II/A2), the substituents X₁,X₂, X₃, W₁, W₂, R₁ and T₁ are as defined in the compounds of formula(II/A). In the compound X-W₂, W₂ is as defined hereinbefore and Xrepresents a leaving group.

The starting material (II/A1) is either a commercial product or isobtained according to conventional methods of organic synthesis wellknown to the person skilled in the art.

In another preferred embodiment, compounds of formula (II/A), where W₁represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, may be obtained through thesynthetic way described in scheme 2.

In a first step the acid function of compound (II/A3) is transformedinto an amide group by reaction with a primary amine in usual conditionsof organic chemistry to yield the compound (II/A4). This intermediate isthen treated with 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole or1,1′-thiocarbonyldiimidazole, depending whether W₁ is an oxygen atom ora sulfur atom, in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran, to yield a compound offormula (II/A5), which is treated in the same conditions as thosedescribed in scheme 1 to obtain the compound of formula (II/A).

Compounds of the formula (II/B) are obtained through the synthetic waydescribed in scheme 3 and in scheme 4.

In Scheme 3 the compound (II/B5) is obtained from substrate (II/B2)which is commercially available or obtained through usual methods oforganic synthesis. The compound (II/B2) is treated with an alkylN-cyanoimidate to give a compound of formula (II/B4). The substitutionof NH in position 4 with a halide in the presence of a base like cesiumcarbonate in an aprotic solvent leads to the formation of a compound offormula (II/B5) which represents a particular subgroup of compounds offormula (II) used as starting material in the general process formanufacturing compounds of formula (I).

In Scheme 4 the compound (II/B10) is obtained starting from compound(II/B1) which is treated in a first step with benzyl isothiocyanate togive the thiocarbonyl derivative (II/B3). This compound is heated, in arefluxing alcohol, in the presence of hydrazine hydrate to give thecorresponding hydrazine (II/B6) which is in turn cyclized by reactionwith an acid chloride or an orthoester to yield compound of formula(II(B8). This compound is then debenzylated by usual treatment and theN4-debenzylated atom is substituted by a halide in a basic medium, forexample by addition of cesium carbonate in dimethylformamide to yieldthe product of formula (II/B10). The compound of formula (II/B10) is aparticular subgroup of the compounds of formula (II) used as startingmaterial in the general process for manufacturing compounds of formula(I).

In Scheme 4, the compound (II/B11) is obtained starting from compound(II/B1) which is transformed in a first step into a compound of formula(II/B3) as described hereinbefore. This compound (II/B3) is then treatedin an alcoholic solvent such as methanol or ethanol, in the presence ofa peroxide for initiating the oxidation of the starting thiol. The aminoketone (II/B6) obtained thereby is readily cyclized in the presence ofacid, in an alcoholic solvent such as isopropanol to yield a compound offormula (II/B9) which is debenzylated and subsequently substituted onthe N4 as described hereinbefore in order to obtain the product offormula (II/B11). The compound of formula (II/B11) is a particularsubgroup of the compounds of formula (II) used as starting material inthe general process for manufacturing compounds of formula (I).

Generally, isomers of the compounds of the invention are understood tobe optical isomers such as enantiomers and diastercoisomers. Moreespecially, pure enantiomeric forms of the compounds of the inventionmay be separated by starting from mixtures of enantiomers which arereacted with a racemate-separating agent that can be released, the saidagent being itself in the form of a pure enantiomer, which allows thecorresponding diastereoisomers to be obtained. The diastereoisomers arethen separated according to the separation techniques well known to theperson skilled in the art, such as crystallization or chromatography,and the separating agent is then removed using conventional techniquesof organic synthesis, resulting in a pure enantiomer.

The compounds of the invention that are present in the form of a mixtureof diastereoisomers are isolated in a pure form by using conventionalseparation techniques such as chromatography.

As mentioned above, compounds of formula (I) of the present inventionare matrix metalloprotease inhibitors, and more particularly inhibitorsof the enzyme MMP-13.

In this respect, their use is recommended for the treatment of diseasesor complaints involving a therapy by MMP-13 inhibition. By way ofexample, the use of the compounds of the present invention may berecommended for the treatment of any pathology in which destruction ofextracellular matrix tissue occurs, and most particularly pathologiessuch as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis,periodontal diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, multiplesclerosis, cardiac insufficiency, atherosclerosis, asthma, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease, age-related macular degeneration andcancers.

The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositionscomprising as active ingredient at least one compound of formula (I), anisomer thereof, a N-oxide thereof, or an addition salt thereof with apharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base, alone or in combination withone or more pharmaceutically-acceptable, inert, non-toxic excipients orcarriers.

Among the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention, theremay be mentioned more especially those that are suitable for oral,parenteral (intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous), per- ortrans-cutaneous, intravaginal, rectal, nasal, perlingual, buccal, ocularor respiratory administration.

Pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention for parenteralinjections especially include aqueous and non-aqueous sterile solutions,dispersions, suspension and emulsions, and also sterile powders forreconstituting injectable solutions or dispersions.

Pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention for oraladministration in solid form especially include tablets or dragées,sublingual tablets, sachets, gelatin capsules and granules, for oral,nasal, buccal or ocular administration in liquid form, especiallyinclude emulsions, solutions, suspensions, drop, syrups and aerosols.

Pharmaceutical compositions for rectal or vaginal administration arepreferably suppositories, and those for per- or trans-cutaneousadministration especially include powders, aerosols, creams, ointment,gels and patches.

The pharmaceutical compositions mentioned hereinbefore illustrate theinvention but do not limit it in any way.

Among the pharmaceutically acceptable, inert, non-toxic excipients orcarriers there may be mentioned, by way of non-limiting example,diluents, solvents, preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifiers,dispersing agents, binders, swelling agents, disintegrating agents,retardants, lubricants, absorbents, suspending agents, colorants,aromatizing agents etc. . . .

The useful dosage varies according to the age and weight of the patient,the administration route, the pharmaceutical composition used, thenature and severity of the disorder and the administration of anyassociated treatments. The dosage ranges from 2 mg to 1 g per day in oneor more administrations. The compositions are prepared by methods thatare common to those skilled in the art and generally comprise 0.5% to60% by weight of active principle (compound of formula (I)) and 40% to99.5% by weight of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers.

The examples that follow illustrate the invention but do not limit it inany way.

The starting materials used are products that are known or that areprepared according to known operating procedures. The variouspreparations yield synthetic intermediates that are useful inpreparation of the compounds of the invention. Some of theseintermediates are new compounds.

The structures of the compounds described in the Examples andPreparations were determined according to the usual spectrophotometrictechniques (infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, . .. )

In the Preparations and Examples, it is understood that:

-   -   DMF means Dimethylformamide,    -   THF means Tetrahydrofurane,    -   DMSO means Dimethylsulfoxyde,    -   TOTU means        O-(ethoxycarbonyl)cyanomethylamino]-N—N—N′-N′-tetramethyl        uronium fluoroborate,    -   EDAC means 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide        hydrochloride,    -   and HOBT means 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate.

EXAMPLES

Preparation A:4-(6-Iodo-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoicacid

Step 1: Methyl 4-[(2-amino-5-iodo-benzoylamino)-methyl]-benzoate

To a stirred solution of 15 g (74.4 mmol) of methyl4-(aminomethyl)benzoate hydrochloride, 300 ml of dimethylformamide and10.3 ml (7.53 g, 74.4 mmol) of triethylamine were added, at roomtemperature, followed by 10.06 g (74.4 mmol) of 1-hydroxybenzotriazolehydrate, 19.6 g (74.4 mmol) of 2-amino-5-iodobenzoic acid and 14.3 g(74.4 mmol) of 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimidehydrochloride. After stirring at room temperature overnight, the mixturewas concentrated and the residue was dissolved in 300 ml ofdichloromethane. The organic phase was washed with 150 ml H₂O, 150 mlHCl 1N, and 150 ml H₂O, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. Theresidue was recrystallized from 170 ml acetonitrile to afford afterfiltration 19.6 g of the desired product (yield: 70%).

-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.8 (s, 3H); 4.45 (d, 2H); 6.5-6.6 (m, 3H);    7.3-7.45 (m, 3H); 7.8-7.95 (m, 3H); 8.9 (t, 1H).-   Purity (HPLC): 99.1%    Step 2: Methyl    4-(6-iodo-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoate

To a solution of 21.35 g (52 mmol) of the compound obtained in Step 1 in400 ml of dry tetrahydrofurane were added 9.3 g (57.2 mmol) of1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole. The solution was heated overnight to 60° C.After cooling the precipitate was filtered and dried to afford 19.6 g ofthe desired product (yield: 68.3%).

-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.8 (s, 3H); 5.1 (s, 2H); 6.95-7.05 (m, 1H);    7.35-7.45 (m, 2H); 7.8-7.90 (m, 2H); 7.9-8.0 (m, 1H); 8.2 (s, 1H);    11.6 (bs, 1H).-   Purity (HPLC): 99.5%    Step 3: Methyl    4-(6-iodo-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoate

To a stirred suspension of 11 g (25.2 mmol) of the compound obtained inStep 2 and 110 ml of dry DMF were added 5.22 g (37.8 mmol) of K₂CO₃, atroom temperature. After 15 minutes, 7.85 ml (17.9 g, 126 mmol) ofiodomethane were added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours andthe precipitate filtered off and dissolved in a mixture ofdichloromethane/methanol. The organic phase was washed with H₂O, driedover Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford a precipitate corresponding tothe desired product (10.1 g ; yield: 89%).

-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.5 (s, 3H); 3.8 (s, 3H); 5.2 (s, 2H); 7.30    (d, 1H); 7.45 (d, 2H); 7.90 (d, 2H); 8.1 (d, 1H); 8.3 (s, 1H).-   Purity (HPLC): 96.7%

Step 4:4-(6-Iodo-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoicacid

A mixture of 3.0 g (6.66 mmol) of the compound obtained in Step 3, 30 mlof dioxane, 120 ml H₂O, and 0.56 g (13.3 mmol) of LiOH,H₂O was heated toreflux over 1 hour. After cooling and acidification with concentratedhydrochloric acid, the precipitate obtained was filtered off andrecrystallized in dioxane/ether to afford 1.85 g of the desired product(yield: 64.2%).

-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.5 (s, 3H); 5.2 (s, 2H); 7.30 (d, 1H); 7.40    (d, 2H); 7.85 (d, 2H); 8.1 (d, 1H); 8.30 (s, 1H); 12.9 (bs, 1H)-   Purity (HPLC): 98.0%    Preparation B:    4-(1-Methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy-1,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoic    acid    Step 1: 5-(tert-Butoxycarbonylamino)-2-methoxypyridine-4-carboxylic    acid

The compound 5-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-2-methoxypyridine-4-carboxylicacid was prepared using the procedure described in J. Chem. Soc., PerkinTrans I, 1996, 18, 2221-2226.

Step 2: Methyl4-{[(5-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-2-methoxy-pyridine-4-carbonyl)-amino]-methyl}-benzoate

9 g (33.5 mmol) of the compound obtained in Step 1, 320 ml ofdichloromethane, 11 g (33.5 moles) of TOTU and 6.1 g (36.9 mmol) ofmethyl-(4-aminomethyl)benzoate were stirred and cooled to 0° C., andthen 11.6 ml (8.6 g, 67 mmol) of diisopropylamine added. The mixture wasstirred for 15 minutes at 0° C. and then overnight at room temperature.The reaction mixture was washed successively with 200 ml NH₄OH, 200 mlH₂O, 200 ml HCl 10%, 200 ml H₂O, 200 ml NaHCO₃, and 200 ml H₂O. Theorganic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated undervacuum. The residue was crystallized in a mixture ofdichloromethane/ether to afford 10.5 g of the desired product (yield:73.3%).

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH: 95/5 v/v Rf=0.60-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 1.50 (s, 9H); 3.90 (2s, 6H); 4.60 (d, 2H);    6.70 (s, 1H); 7.0 (bs, 1H); 7.4 (d, 2H); 8.0 (d, 2H); 8.75 (bs, 1H);    8.9 (s, 1H).    Step 3: Methyl    4-{[(5-amino-2-methoxy-pyridine-4-carbonyl)-aminomethyl}-benzoate

To a solution of 4.8 g (11.5 mmol) of the compound obtained in Step 2 in100 ml of dichloromethane were added 20 ml of trifluoroacetic acid. Thereaction was heated to 40° C. for 1 hour, and then concentrated undervacuum. The residue was taken up in a mixture of dichloromethane and H₂Othen basified with NaOH. After separation by decantation, the organicphase was washed, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under vacuum toafford 3.5 g of a yellow precipitate corresponding to the desiredproduct (yield: 97%).

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 95/5 v/v Rf=0.40-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 3.8 (s, 3H); 3.9 (s, 3H); 4.6 (d, 2H); 4.7    (s, 2H); 6.7 (s, 1H); 6.75-6.85 (m, 1H); 7.40 (d, 2H); 7.75 (s, 2H);    8.0 (d, 2H).    Step 4: Methyl    4-(6-methoxy-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[3,4d]-pyrimidin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoate

To a solution of 2.5 g (7.9 mmol) of the compound obtained in Step 3 in110 ml of dry THF were added 2 g (12.4 mmol) of1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole. The reaction mixture was heated to 60° C. for24 hours. After cooling, 50 ml H₂O were added and the mixture wasstirred for 30 minutes to 0° C. The precipitate was filtered and washedsuccessively with H₂O, MeOH and dichloromethane to afford 2.38 g of thedesired product (yield: 88.3%).

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 95/5 v/v Rf=0.45-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.80 (s, 3H); 3.90 (s, 3H); 5.10 (s, 2H);    7.2 (s, 1H); 7.45 (d, 2H); 7.90 (d, 2H); 8.25 (s, 1H); 11.6 (s, 1H).    Step 5: Methyl    4-(6-methoxy-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoate

2.38 g (7 mmol) of the compound obtained in Step 4 and 52 ml of dry DMFwere stirred and heated until dissolution. After cooling to 25° C., 1.45g (10 mmol) of K₂CO₃ and 2.2 ml (5.7 g, 35 mmol) of iodomethane wereadded. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature, thenconcentrated under vacuum. The residue was treated with H₂O and theprecipitate filtered off, washed with methanol, then dissolved indichloromethane. The organic phase was washed with H₂O, dried overNa₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The product was crystallised inether and filtered to afford 2.0 g of the desired product (yield: 80%).

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 95/5 v/v Rf=0.95-   Purity (HPLC): 98.5%-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.50 (s, 3H); 3.80 (s, 3H); 3.90 (s, 3H);    5.20 (s, 2H); 7.3 (s, 1H); 7.45 (d, 2H); 7.90 (d, 2H); 8.50 (s, 1H).    Step 6:    4-(6-Hydroxy-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoic    acid

1.4 g (3.93 mmol) of compound obtained in Step 5, and 14 ml ofhydrobromic acid were heated to reflux for 1 hour. After cooling, 30 mlof H₂O were added and the precipitate was filtered off and washed withH₂O and MeOH to afford 1.1 g of the desired product (yield: 85.5%)

-   TLC : CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 90/10 v/v Rf=0.10-   N.M.R : DMSO ¹H δ (ppm) 3.50 (s, 3H); 5.20 (s, 2H); 7.05 (s, 1H);    7.40 (d, 2H); 7.90 (d, 2H); 8.20 (s, 1H); 10.4-13.0 (bs, 2H).    Step 7:    4-(1-Methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy-1,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoic    acid

A solution of 1.2 g of compound obtained in Step 6 in 14 ml of drypyridin was stirred and cooled to 0° C., and then 1.5 ml (2.52 g, 9mmol) of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride were added. The reaction wasallowed to stir at 0° C. for 30 minutes then quenched with 30 ml of H₂Oand dichloromethane. The organic phase was washed with H₂O, HCl 10%, andH₂O. After concentration the residue was crystallised in a mixturedichloromethane/ether to afford 0.5 g of the desired product (yield:30%).

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 90/10 v/v Rf=0.55-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.55 (s, 3H); 5.20 (s, 2H); 7.45 (d, 2H);    7.90 (d, 2H); 8.10 (s, 1H); 8.80 (s, 1H); 12.9 (bs, 1H).    Preparation C: Methyl    4-(5-oxo-7-(Trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-4-ylmethyl)-benzoate    Step 1:    4-Benzyl-7-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3a]quinazolin-5-one

To a suspension of 41.3 g (141.3 mmol) of4-benzyl-7-hydroxy-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-one (obtainedas described in WO 00/66584) in 500 ml of CH₂Cl₂, 25 g (148.3 mmol) oftrifluoromethylsulfonylchloride were added under stirring. Then, 22.5 g(222.5 mmol) of triethylamine were added dropwise while maintaining theinternal temperature between 15 and 20° C. After the completion ofaddition, stirring was continued at room temperature for 4 hours. Afterremoval of the insoluble solid by filtration, the organic solution waswashed with water and brine, then dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated,providing 33.1 g of crude solid, which was purified by chromatography(cyclohexane/AcOEt: 25/75 v/v) to afford 22.5 g of the desired compound(yield: 37.5%).

-   TLC : CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 95/5 v/v Rf=0.45    Step 2:    7-(Trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-one

A suspension of 10.0 g (23.5 mmol) of the compound obtained in Step 1and 18.8 g (141 mmol) of aluminium chloride in 200 ml anhydrous benzenewas heated at 50° C., under stirring, for 1 h 30. After cooling, themixture obtained was poured on water/ice. After stirring andhomogenization, the insoluble solid was isolated by filtration, washedwith several portions of water until neutral pH and dried, then finallywashed with a portion of CH₂Cl₂, leaving 7.95 g (99%) of the desiredcompound.

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 95/5 v/v Rf=0.10    Step 3: Methyl    4-(5-oxo-7-(Trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-4-ylmethyl)-benzoate

To a stirred solution of 7.9 g (24.3 mmol) of the compound obtained inStep 2 in 100 ml of DMF were added 7.93 g (24.3 mmol) of cesiumcarbonate, and then 5.56 g (24.3 mmol) of methyl4-(bromomethyl)benzoate. The mixture was stirred overnight and thesolvent was removed under vacuum. The resulting residue was partitionedbetween H₂O and a mixture of dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. A firstportion (5.9 g) of product insoluble in the two phases was obtained byfiltration then recrystallized in methanol to give 4.85 g of the puretitle compound. The organic phase was separated, washed with water andbrine, and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Concentration underreduced pressure afforded 4.5 g of crude product that was recrystallizedin methanol to provide 2.2 g of pure compound. An additional portion of2.5 g was finally obtained after column chromatography on silica gel ofthe residues gathered from the organic phases (dichloromethane/methanol98/2 v/v). All in all, 9.55 g (yield: 81.5%) of the desired product wereobtained.

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/CH3OH 95/5 v/v Rf=0.35    Preparation D:    4-(5-oxo-7-(Trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-4-ylmethyl)-benzoic    acid    Step 1: tert-Butyl    4-(5-oxo-7-(Trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-4-ylmethyl)-benzoate

The product is obtained with a yield of 60.5% (0.95 g) according to theprocedure of Step 3 of Preparation C using 1.0 g (2.99 mmol) of compoundobtained in Step 1 of Preparation C and 0.81 g (2.99 mmol) oftert-butyl-4-(bromomethyl)benzoate.

Step 2:4-(5-oxo-7-(Trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-4-ylmethyl)-benzoicacid

To a suspension of 0.27 g (0.515 mmol) of compound obtained in Step 1 in30 ml of dichloromethane, 2.7 ml of trifluoroacetic acid were added andstirring was continued at room temperature for 16 hours. The reactionmixture was poured into water and the resulting mixture stirred for 15minutes. The ensuing precipitate was filtered off, washed with wateruntil neutral pH and dried at 50° C. under vacuum to provide 0.21 g ofthe desired product.

-   TLC: dichloromethane/methanol 90/10 v/v Rf=0.30

Example 1 Methyl4-{6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoate

To a stirred suspension of 1.5 g (3.33 mmol) of compound obtained inStep 3 of Preparation A in 110 ml of triethylamine were added, undernitrogen atmosphere, 0.6 g (4 mmol) of 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-yne(described in the literature: J. Prakt. Chem., 1966, 33, 84-95) in 10 mlof triethylamine, 47 mg (0.06 mmol) ofdichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) and 26 mg (0.13 mmol) ofCuI. The mixture was heated to 60° C. over 3 hours (uncompletereaction). The mixture was then concentrated under vacuum and theresidue purified by flash chromatography to afford 0.130 mg of thedesired product (yield: 6%) which was crystallized in a mixture ofdichloromethane/methanol.

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/Acetone 99/1 v/v Rf=0.9-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm); 3.5 (s, 3H); 3.75 (s, 3H); 3.8 (s, 5H); 5.2    (s, 2H); 6.9 (d, 2H); 7.35 (s, 2H); 7.45 (m, 3H); 7.85 (d, 1H); 7.9    (d, 2H); 8.0 (s, 1).-   IR: 2361, 1702, 1656, 1612, 1508, 1475, 1279, 1249, 117, 1102, 958,    805 cm⁻¹-   Mp=168.5° C.-   Purity (HPLC): 97.9%

Example 24-[1-Methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoicacid

To a stirred solution of 0.68 g (1.56 mmol) of compound obtained in Step4 of Preparation A in 6.8 ml of dry DMF, were added successively, undernitrogen atmosphere, 1.2 ml (0.8 g, 6.24 mmol) of diisopropylethylamine,56.8 mg (0.078 mmol) of dichlorobis (triphenylphosphine)palladium(II), acatalytic amount of CuI and 0.273 ml (0.253 g, 2.18 mmol) of3-phenyl-1-propyne. The reaction mixture was heated to 50° C. overapproximately 4 hours. Then, the mixture is concentrated under vacuumand the residue purified by flash chromatography (dichloromethane/MeOH90/10 v/v) to afford, after crystallization in a mixture ofdichloromethane/ether, 0.270 g of the desired product (yield: 40.8%).

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 9/1 v/v Rf=0.50-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm); 3.5 (s, 3H); 3.9 (s, 2H); 5.2 (s, 2H);    7.20-7.50 (m, 8H); 7.80 (m, 3H); 8.05 (s, 1H); 12.8 (bs, 1H);-   IR: 2894, 1700, 1660, 1616, 1508,1314, 1295, 1097, 825, 795, 747    cm⁻¹-   Mp=258° C.-   Purity (HPLC): 98.6%

Example 34-{6-[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoicacid

This compound was obtained according to the procedure described inExample 2 using as reagent 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-ynyl. The crudeproduct was crystallized in dioxane to afford the desired compound.

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 9/1 v/v Rf=0.50-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm); 3.55 (s, 3H); 3.75 (s, 3H); 3.8 (s, 2H);    5.15 (s, 2H); 6.9 (d, 2H); 7.30 (d, 2H); 7.40 (m, 3H); 7.85 (m, 3H);    8.00 (s, 1H); 12.85 (bs, 1H);-   IR: 2646, 1687, 1659, 1508, 1477, 1422, 1325, 1242, 1177, 1040, 950,    812 cm⁻¹-   Mp=262° C.-   Purity (HPLC): 95.4%

Example 44-[1-Methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoicacid

To a stirred solution of 0.1 g (0.22 mmol) of the compound ofPreparation B in 1 ml of dry DMF were added successively 0.2 ml (0.14 g,1.1 mmol) of diisopropylethylamine, 9 mg (0.012 mmol) ofdichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II), a catalytic amount of CuIand 0.046 ml (0.043 g, 1.1 mmol) of 3-phenyl-1-propyne. The reaction wasstirred overnight at room temperature and then H₂O and CH₂Cl₂ wereadded. The organic layer was separated and washed with HCl 10% and H₂O,then dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum. Theresidue was crystallized in a mixture of dichloromethane/ether to afford0.040 g of the desired product (yield : 43%).

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 9/1 v/v Rf=0.50-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm); 3.6 (s, 3H); 3.95 (s, 2H); 5.2 (s, 2H);    7.20-7.50 (m, 7H); 7.80-7.95 (m, 2H); 7.95 (s, 1H); 8.90 (s, 1H);    12.8 (bs, 1).

IR: 1720, 1695, 1678, 1612, 1490, 1279, 1100, 759, 732 cm⁻¹

-   Mp=236.2° C.-   Purity (HPLC): 96.7%

Example 54-{6-[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoicacid

The compound is obtained according to the procedure described in Example4 using the compound of Preparation B and the3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-yne.

-   TLC: CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 9/1 v/v Rf=0.60-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm); 3.60 (s, 3H); 3.75 (s, 3H); 3.85 (s, 2H);    5.20 (s, 2H); 6.9-7.0 (m, 2H); 7.30-7.40 (m, 2H); 7.45-7.50 (m, 2H);    7.80-7.90 (m, 3H); 8.90 (s, 1H); 12.9 (bs, 1).

IR: 1721, 1670, 1511, 1477, 1421, 1325, 1245, 1178, 1037,792 cm⁻¹

-   Mp=262° C.-   Purity (HPLC): 95.9%

Example 64-Benzyl-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-one

To a suspension of 1.5 g (3.53 mmol) of compound obtained in Step 1 ofPreparation C in 12 ml of DMF were added, under inert atmosphere ofnitrogen, 0.574 g (4.94 mmol) of 3-phenylprop-1-yne, 1.45 g (14.4 mmol)of triethylamine and 0.1 g of dichlorobis(triphenylphosphin)palladium(II). The reaction mixture was then stirredand heated at 50° C. for 5 hours. After cooling at room temperature, H₂Owas added and the mixture extracted several times with AcOEt. Theorganic phase was washed with water and brine and then dried (Na₂SO₄)and concentrated, leaving 1.5 g of crude solid that was chromatographiedon a silica column (CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98.5/1.5 v/v) to afford 0.25 g (yield:18%) of an off-white solid pure in TLC. A sample was purified byrecrystallization in methanol.

-   Mp=238° C.-   N.M.R DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.85 (s, 2H); 5.55 (s, 2H); 7.25-7.45 (m,    8H); 7.6 (d, 1H); 7.65-7.75 (m, 2H); 7.85 (d, 1H); 8.5 (s, 1H); 8.7    (s, 1H).

Example 74-Benzyl-7-[(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-4H-[1,2,4]-triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-one

The compound was obtained according to the procedure described inExample 6 using the same substrate (Preparation C, Step 1) and 0.48 g of3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-yne. The crude product was purified bychromatography on a silica column (CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98/2 v/v). A treatmentof the resultant solid with boiling AcOEt gave 0.15 g (yield: 15%) of anoff-white solid pure in TLC.

-   Mp=267° C.-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 3.8 (s, 2H); 3.8 (s, 3H); 5.5 (s, 2H); 6.9    (d, 2H); 7.2-7.35 (m, 5H); 7.6 (d, 1H); 7.68 (d, 2H); 7.8 (d, 1H);    8.4 (s, 1H); 8.7 (s, 1H).

Example 8 Methyl4-{7-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-5-oxo-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-]quinazolin-4-ylmethyl}-benzoate

The compound was obtained according to the procedure described inExample 6 using the compound of the Preparation C Step 3, 1.1 g of3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-1-yne, and 2.72 g ofN-ethyl-N,N-diisopropylamine. The crude product was purified bychromatography on a silica column (CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 98/2 v/v). A treatmentof the resultant solid with boiling AcOEt gave 1.5 g (yield: 59%) of anoff-white solid pure in TLC.

-   Mp=249° C.-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 3.79 (s, 2H); 3.81 (s, 3H); 3.88(s, 3H);    5.56 (s, 2H); 6.89 (d, 2H); 7.30 (d, 2H); 7.60 (d, 1H); 7.70 (d,    2H); 7.82 (d, 1H); 7.97 (d, 2H); 8.44 (s, 1H); 8.7 (s, 1H).

Example 94-[5-Oxo-7-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-4-ylmethyl]-benzoicacid

The compound was obtained according to the procedure described inExample 6 using the compound of the Preparation D (0.195 g), 0.067 g of3-phenylprop-1-yne, and 0.215 g of N-ethyl-N,N-diisopropylamine. Thecrude product was purified by chromatography on a silica column(CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH 90/10 then 85/15 v/v) to afford 0.14 g (yield : 77%) of anoff-white solid pure in TLC corresponding to the desired product.

-   Mp=262° C.-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.96 (s, 2H); 5.42 (s, 2H); 7.27 (t, 1H);    7.37 (t, 2H); 7.44 (d, 2H); 7.52 (d, 2H); 7.87 (d, 2H); 8.02 (d,    1H); 8.18-8.22 (m, 2H); 9.53 (s, 1H); 12.5-13.2 (m, 1H).

Example 104-(1-Methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(2-phenylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoicacid

The compound was obtained according to the procedure described inExample 5 using the compound of the Preparation A Step 4 (0.59 g, 1.35mmol), 0.193 g (1.89 mmol) of 1-phenyleth-1-yne, 0.050 g ofdichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium, a catalytic amount of CuI and0.700 g (5.4 mmol) of N-ethyl-N,N-diisopropylamine. The crude productwas purified by crystallization in dichloromethane provided 0.55 g(yield 100%) of an off-white solid pure in TLC.

-   Mp=260° C.-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.55 (s, 3H); 5.21 (s, 2H); 7.36-7.50 (m,    5H); 7.50-7.65 (m, 3H); 7.82-7.99 (m, 3H); 8.16 (s, 1H); 12.7-13.1    (m, 1H).

Example 113-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

Step 1: 6-Iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

20.0 g (72.2 mmol) of 5-iodo-2-methylamino-benzoic acid and 70 ml ofacetic acid are introduced into a round-bottomed flask. 11.7 g (144.0mmol) of potassium isocyanate is added. The mixture is maintained at80-85° C. for 18 hours before cooling to room temperature. The productis precipitated with the addition of water and filtered. The product isreslurried in hot ethyl acetate and filtered. The product is obtained asfollows:

-   Weight: 12.3 g Yield: 77%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 302.9 [M⁻]⁺-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.38 (s, 3H); 7.23 (m, 1H); 8.02 (m, 1H),    8.17 (1H, m).    Step 2:    3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

0.5 g (1.6 mmol) of 6-Iodo-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione from the precedingstage is dissolved in 10 ml of dimethylformamide and 1.0 g (3.2 mmol) ofcesium carbonate is added. The mixture is stirred 10 minutes beforeadding 3,4-di-fluorobenzyl bromide 0.38 g (1.8 mmol). Stirring iscontinued overnight at room temperature. Water (30 ml) is added and theproduct is filtered. Slurried solid product in hot ethyl acetate andfiltered to obtain:

-   Weight: 0.49 g Yield: 68%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 429.0 [M⁻]⁺-   CHN Analysis: C₁₆H₁₁F₂IN₂O₂.0.13 H₂O    -   Calcd: C, 44.64; H, 2.65; N, 6.51.    -   Found: C, 44.25; H, 2.35; N, 6.32.        Step 3:        3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

To 0.45 g (1.1 mmol)3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione and0.56 g (4.4 mmol) di-isopropyl ethylamine in 15 ml DMF is addedbis-triphenylphosphine palladium di-chloride (catalytic) followed by CuI(catalytic). 0.18 g (1.3 mmol) 3-phenyl-propyne is added and the mixtureis heated to 70° C. for 6 hours. The mixture is allowed to cool to roomtemperature and stirred overnight. Water is added and the mixturestirred 30 minutes. Filtered and triturated solid in hot EtOAc andfiltered. Purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/hexane eluent).

-   Weight: 0.13 g Yield: 8%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 417.2 [M⁻]⁺-   CHN Analysis: C₂₅H₁₈F₂N₂O₂.0.54H₂O    -   Calcd: C, 70.46; H, 4.51; N, 6.57.    -   Found: C, 70.07; H, 4.36; N, 6.58.

Example 123-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-6-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

Step 1: 1-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-prop-2-yn-1-ol

A −78° C. solution of 4-fluorobenzaldehyde 5.0 g (40.3 mmol) in 20 mlTHF is treated dropwise with a solution of alkynyl magnesium chloride(48.1 mmol, 96.3 ml of a 0.5 M solution in THF). After the addition iscomplete the mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and stirredovernight. Saturated aqueous NH₄Cl is added and the product extractedwith 1:1 EtOAc/Et₂O (2×). The organic extracts were combined and washedwith saturated aqueous NaCl solution, then dried (MgSO₄). Purified byflash chromatography with 5% EtOAc/hexane eluent to obtain a yellow oil.

-   Weight: 4.8 g Yield: 80%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 151.1 [M⁻]⁺-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 2.41 (1H, d, J=6.1); 2.68 (1H, d, J=2.2);    5.45 (1H, m), 7.03-7.09 (2H, m); 7.50-7.56 (1H, m).    Step 2: 1-Fluoro-4-prop-2-ynyl-benzene

To a solution of 4.7 g (31.3 mmol) 4-(Fluoro-phenyl)-prop-2-yn-1-ol inCH₂Cl₂ (20 ml) cooled to −78° C. is added 4.4 g (37.6 mmol) Et₃SiH inone portion followed by 5.3 g (37.6 mmol) BF₃.Et₂O dropwise over 2minutes. The solution was warmed briefly to −20° C. and then re-cooledto −78C and stirred 1 hour. The mixture is then allowed to warm to roomtemperature and stirred 1 hour. Saturated aqueous NH₄Cl is added and thesolution extracted with EtOAc (2×). The organic extracts are combinedand washed with saturated aqueous NaCl solution and dried (MgSO₄).Purify by flash chromatography (EtOAc/hexane eluent).

-   Weight: 3.1 g Yield: 74%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 135.1 [M⁻]⁺-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm):) 2.19 (1H, m); 2.68 (1H, d, J=2.2); 3.57    (2H, m), 7.01-7.09 (2H, m); 7.29-7.33 (2H, m).    Step 3:    3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-6-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

To 0.5 g (1.06 mmol)3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione and0.52 g (4.2 mmol) di-isopropyl ethylamine in 15 ml DMF is addedbis-triphenylphosphine palladium di-chloride (catalytic) followed by CuI(catalytic). 0.15 g (1.3 mmol) 1-fluoro-4-prop-2-ynyl-benzene is addedand the mixture is heated to 70° C. for 6 hours. The mixture is allowedto cool to room temperature and stir overnight. Water is added and themixture stirred 30 minutes. Filtered and triturated solid in hot EtOAcand filtered. Purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/hexane eluent).

-   Weight: 0.075 g Yield: 36%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 435.2 [M⁻]⁺-   CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 69.12; H, 3.94; N, 6.45. Found: C, 68.82; H,    3.59; N, 6.12.

Example 133-(4-Bromo-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

Step 1: 3-(4-Bromo-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

0.5 g (1.6 mmol) of 6-Iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione fromExample 1 Step 1 is dissolved in 10 ml of dimethylformamide and 1.0 g(3.2 mmol) of cesium carbonate is added. The mixture is stirred 10minutes before adding 4-bromobenzyl bromide 0.45 g (1.8 mmol). Stirringis continued overnight at room temperature. Water (30 ml) is added andthe product is filtered. Slurried solid product in hot ethyl acetate andfiltered to obtain:

-   Weight: 0.52 g Yield: 69%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 470.9 [M⁻]⁺-   CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 40.79; H, 2.57; N, 5.95. Found: C, 40.43; H,    2.41; N, 5.89.    Step 2:    3-(4-Bromo-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

To 0.50 g (1.06 mmol)3-(4-Bromo-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione and 0.54 g(4.2 mmol) di-isopropyl ethylamine in 15 ml DMF is addedbis-triphenylphosphine palladium di-chloride (catalytic) followed by CuI(catalytic). 0.15 g (1.3 mmol) 3-phenyl-propyne is added and the mixtureis heated to 70° C. for 6 hours. The mixture is allowed to cool to roomtemperature and stir overnight. Water is added and the mixture stirred30 minutes. Filtered and triturate solid in hot EtOAc and filter.Dissolve in THF and filter through a plug of silica gel with THF eluent.Triturate solid in hot EtOAc and filter.

-   Weight: 0.11 g Yield: 23%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 461.2 [M⁻]⁺-   CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 65.37; H, 4.17; N, 6.10. Found: C, 65.66; H,    4.09; N, 6.08.

Example 14 tert-Butyl4-[6-(3-biphenyl-4-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate

Step 1: tert-butyl4-(6-iodo-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoate

7.8 g (25.8 mmol) of 6-Iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione fromExample 11 Step 1 is dissolved in 60 ml of dimethylformamide and 9.8 g(30.1 mmol) of cesium carbonate is added. The mixture is stirred 10minutes before adding 4-bromomethyl-benzoic acid tert-butyl ester 8.4 g(30.1 mmol). Stirring is continued overnight at room temperature. Water(100 ml) is added and the product is filtered. Slurried solid product inhot ethyl acetate and filtered to obtain:

-   Weight: 7.1 g Yield: 56%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 437.0 (492-tert-butyl) [M⁻]⁺-   CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 51.23; H, 4.40; N, 5.69. Found: C, 51.13; H,    4.32; N, 6.04.    Step 2: 1-Biphenyl-4-yl-prop-2-yn-1-ol

A −78° C. solution of 4-phenylbenzaldehyde 5.0 g (27.4 mmol) in 20 mlTHF is treated dropwise with a solution of alkynyl magnesium chloride(60.0 mmol, 120 ml of a 0.5 M solution in THF). After the addition iscomplete the mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and stirovernight. Saturated aqueous NH₄Cl is added and the product extractedwith 1:1 EtOAc/Et₂O (2×). The organic extracts were combined and washedwith saturated aqueous NaCl solution, then dried (MgSO₄). Purified byflash chromatography with EtOAc/hexane eluent followed bycrystallization from EtOAc/hexane to obtain a white solid.

-   Weight: 4.6 g Yield: 81%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 149.0 [M⁻]⁺-   CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 86.51; H, 5.81. Found: C, 86.11; H, 5.77.    Step 3: 4-Prop-2-ynyl-biphenyl

To a solution of 3.0 g (14.4 mmol) 1-biphenyl-4-yl-prop-2-yn-1-ol inCH₂Cl₂ (20 ml) cooled to −78° C. is added 2.2 g (18.7 mmol) Et₃SiH inone portion followed by 2.7 g (18.7 mmol) BF₃.Et₂O dropwise over 2minutes. The solution was warmed briefly to −20° C. and then re-cooledto −78 C and stirred 1 hour. The mixture is then allowed to warm to roomtemperature and stir 1 hour. Saturated aqueous NH₄Cl is added and thesolution extracted with EtOAc (2×). The organic extracts are combinedand washed with saturated aqueous NaCl solution and dried (MgSO₄).Purify by flash chromatography (EtOAc/hexane eluent). Obtain low meltingsolid.

-   Weight: 0.5 g Yield: 18%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 191.1 [M⁻]⁺    Step 4: tert-butyl    4-[6-(3-biphenyl-4-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate

To 0.50 g (1.0 mmol)4-(6-Iodo-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoicacid tert-butyl ester and 0.52 g (4.0 mmol) di-isopropyl ethylamine in15 ml DMF is added bis-triphenylphosphine palladium di-chloride(catalytic) followed by CuI (catalytic). 0.25 g (1.3 mmol)4-prop-2-ynyl-biphenyl is added and the mixture is heated to 70° C. for6 hrs. The mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature and stirovernight. Water is added and the mixture stirred 30 minutes. Filteredand triturate solid in hot EtOAc and filter. Dissolve in THF and filterthrough a plug of silica gel with THF eluent. Triturate solid in hotEtOAc and filter

-   Weight: 0.21 g Yield: 38%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 555.2 [M⁻]⁻-   CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 77.68; H, 5.79; N, 5.03. Found: C, 77.68; H,    5.62; N, 4.78.

Example 15 tert-Butyl4-{6-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoate

To 1.0 g (2.0 mmol)3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione fromExample 14 Step 1 and 1.0 g (8.4 mmol) di-isopropyl ethylamine in 15 mlDMF is added bis-triphenylphosphine palladium di-chloride (catalytic)followed by CuI (catalytic). 0.44 g (3.3 mmol)1-fluoro-4-prop-2-ynyl-benzene is added and the mixture is heated to 70°C. for 6 hrs. The mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature andstir overnight. Water is added and the mixture stirred 30 minutes.Filtered and dry under reduced pressure.

-   Weight: 0.11 g Yield: 11%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 497.2 [M⁻]⁻-   CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 72.28; H, 5.46; N, 5.62. Found: C, 72.38; H,    5.83; N, 5.29.

Example 164-(6-{3-[4-(tert-Butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-phenyl]-prop-1-ynyl}-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoicacid

Step 1: 4-(tert-Butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-benzaldehyde

3.0 g (24.5 mmol) of 4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde in 20 ml THF is treated with4.8 g (31.9 mmol) tert-Butyl-chloro-dimethyl-silane followed by 6.2 g(47.8 mmol) di-isopropyl ethylamine and imidazole (catalytic). Theresulting mixture is stirred overnight at room temperature. Dilute with1:1 EtOAc/Et₂O and wash with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution,saturated aqueous NaCl (3×), and dried (MgSO₄). Purify by flashchromatography (EtOAc/hexane eluent).

-   Weight: 4.8 g Yield: 83%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 263.0 [M⁻]⁺-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H 8 (ppm): 0.0 (6H, s); 0.75 (9H, s); 6.67-6.71 (2H,    m); 7.52-7.56 (2H, m); 9.64 (1H, s).    Step 2: 1-[4-(tert-Butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-phenyl]-prop-2-yn-1-ol

A −78° C. solution of 4-(tert-Butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-benzaldehyde3.3 g (13.9 mmol) in 20 ml THF is treated dropwise with a solution ofalkynyl magnesium chloride (18.2 mmol, 36.4 ml of a 0.5 M solution inTHF). After the addition is complete the mixture is allowed to warm toroom temperature and stir overnight. Saturated aqueous NH₄Cl is addedand the product extracted with 1:1 EtOAc/Et₂O (2×). The organic extractswere combined and washed with saturated aqueous NaCl solution, thendried (MgSO₄). Purified by flash chromatography with EtOAc/hexane eluentfollowed by crystallization from EtOAc/hexane to obtain a white solid.

-   Weight: 3.1 g Yield: 85%-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 0.0 (6H, s); 0.78 (9H, s); 1.89 (1H, d,    J=6.1); 2.46 (1H, d, J=2.2); 5.21-5.22 (1H, m); 6.62-6.66 (2H, m);    7.20-7.24 (2H, m).    Step 3: tert-Butyl-dimethyl-(4-prop-2-ynyl-phenoxy)-silane

To a solution of 3.0 g (11.4 mmol)1-[4-(tert-Butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-phenyl]-prop-2-yn-1-ol in CH₂Cl₂(20 ml) cooled to −78° C. is added 1.6 g (13.7 mmol) Et₃SiH in oneportion followed by 1.9 g (13.7 mmol) BF₃,Et₂O dropwise over 2 minutes.The solution was warmed briefly to −20° C. and then re-cooled to −78° C.and stirred 2.5 hours. The mixture is then allowed to warm to roomtemperature and stir 1 hour. Saturated aqueous NH₄Cl is added and thesolution extracted with EtOAc (2×). The organic extracts are combinedand washed with saturated aqueous NaCl solution and dried (MgSO₄).Purify by flash chromatography (EtOAc/hexane eluent). Yellow oil.

-   Weight: 0.57 g Yield: 20%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 247.0 [M⁻]⁺-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm):) 0.0 (6H, s); 0.79 (9H, s); 1.98 (1H, m);    3.35 (2H, m); 6.58-6.62 (2H, m); 7.00-7.02 (2H, m).    Step 4:    4-(6-{3-[4-(tert-Butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-phenyl]-prop-1-ynyl}-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoic    acid

To 0.65 g (1.5 mmol)4-(6-Iodo-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoicacid and 0.77 g (6.0 mmol) di-isopropyl ethylamine in 15 ml DMF is addedbis-triphenylphosphine palladium di-chloride (catalytic) followed by CuI(catalytic). 0.5 g (2.0 mmol)tert-Butyl-dimethyl-(4-prop-2-ynyl-phenoxy)-silane is added and themixture is heated to 70° C. for 6 hours. The mixture is allowed to coolto room temperature and stir overnight. Water is added and the mixturestirred 30 minutes. Filter and dry under reduced pressure. Purify byflash chromatography (EtOAc/hexane eluent)

-   Weight: 0.097 g Yield: 12%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 555.3 [M⁻]⁺-   CHN Analysis: C₃₂H₃₄N₂O₅Si.0.21H₂O Calcd: C, 68.82; H, 6.21; N,    5.02. Found: C, 68.42; H, 6.14; N, 4.97.

Example 17 Methyl4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate

Step 1: Methyl 4-[(5-iodo-2-methylamino-benzoylamino)-methyl]-benzoate

To 13.4 g (48.3 mmol) 5-Iodo-2-methylamino-benzoic acid 11.1 g (57.9mmol) EDAC-HCl, 7.8 g (57.9 mmol) HOBT, and di-isopropyl ethylamine 7.5g (57.9 mmol) in 200 ml ⁻DMF is treated with 11.7 g (57.9 mmol)4-aminomethyl-benzoic acid methyl ester hydrochloride. The resultingmixture is stirred overnight at room temperature before diluting withwater and stirring 20 minutes. The solid is filtered and then trituratedin hot EtOAc, cooled and filtered.

-   Weight: 14.5 g Yield: 71%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 424.2 [M⁻]⁺-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 2.7 (3H, d, J=4.8); 3.80 (3H, s); 4.43 (2H,    d, J=5.8); 6.46 (1H, m); 7.39-7.41 (2H, m); 7.51-7.54 (1H, m);    7.73-7.74 (1H, m); 7.86-7.90 (3H, m); 9.03 (1H, m).    Step 2: Methyl    4-(6-iodo-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoate

To 3.4 g (8.0 mmol)4-[(5-Iodo-2-methylamino-benzoylamino)-methyl]-benzoic acid methyl esterin 20 ml THF and 10 ml pyridine is added 2.4 g (8.0 mmol) triphosgeneportionwise. After the addition is complete the mixture is heated toreflux for 1.5 hours. Cool and pour onto ice. The solution is made basicwith the addition of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃. The resulting solid isfiltered and triturated in hot EtOAc.

-   Weight: 2.4 g Yield: 66%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 451.0 [M⁻]⁺-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.30 (3H, s); 3.82 (3H, s); 4.72 (2H, s);    7.09 (1H, d, J=8.79); 7.54-7.57 (2H, m); 7.51-7.54 (1H, m);    7.89-7.93 (2H, m); 8.23 (1H, m).    Step 3: Methyl    4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate

To 19.6 g (44.9 mmol)4-(6-Iodo-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoicacid methyl ester and 23.2 g (179.6 mmol) di-isopropyl ethylamine in 200ml DMF is added bis-triphenylphosphine palladium di-chloride (1.0 g,catalytic) followed by CuI (0.4 g, catalytic). 7.3 g (62.9 mmol)3-phenyl-propyne is added and the mixture is heated to 70° C. for 6 hrs.The mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature and stir overnight.Water is added and the mixture stirred 30 minutes. Filter and dry underreduced pressure. Solid from EtOAc.

-   Weight: 5.0 g Yield: 27%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 425.1 [M⁻]⁺-   CHN Analysis: Calcd: C, 73.96; H, 5.06; N, 6.39. Found: C, 73.60; H,    5.11; N, 6.37.

Example 18 2-Dimethylamino-ethyl4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate

A mixture of 0.72 g (1.7 mmol)4-[1-Methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoicacid, 0.43 g (2.2 mmol) EDAC-HCl, 0.29 g (2.2 mmol) HOBT in 10 ml DMF istreated with 0.19 g (2.2 mmol) ethanolamine. The resulting mixture isstirred overnight at room temperature before diluting with water andextracting with 1:1 EtOAc/Et₂O (2×). The combined organic extracts arewashed with saturated aqueous NaCl (3×), dried (MgSO₄). The resultingoil is dissolved in EtOAc and treated with saturated methanolic HCl.Concentration provided a solid which is triturated in EtOAc andfiltered.

-   Weight: 0.21 g Yield: 23%-   MS: m/z (APCI, AP+) 496.2 [M⁻]⁺-   CHN Analysis: C₃₀H₂₉N₃O₄.0.25H₂O Calcd: C, 67.16; H, 5.73; N, 7.83.    Found: C, 66.77; H, 5.56; N, 7.64.

Example 19N,N-Dimethyl-4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzamide

Step 1:4-[1-Methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoylchloride

To a stirred suspension of 4.0 g (9.4 mmol) of compound obtained inExample 12 in 150 ml of dichloromethane were added, under nitrogenatmosphere, 4 drops of N,N-dimethylformamide and 0.9 mL (10.4 mmol) ofoxalyl chloride. The mixture was stirred for 4 hours at roomtemperature. The suspension had partially cleared. An additional 1.8 mL(20.8 mmol) of oxalyl chloride was added and the reaction wentimmediately clear. The reaction was stirred for an additional hour andthen concentrated under vacuum. The resulting solid was redissolved indiethyl ether and again concentrated in vacuo. The resulting yellowishsolid was stored under nitrogen and used without further purification.

Step 2:N,N-Dimethyl-4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzamide

To a solution of 0.5 g (1.1 mmol) of compound obtained in Step 1 in 50ml of dichloromethane, 10 ml of dimethylamine in ether were added andstirring was continued at room temperature for 16 hours. The reactionmixture was partitioned between 1 M HCl and dichloromethane. The organiclayer was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 0.4 g of the desiredproduct.

-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ 1H δ (ppm): 8.30 (s, 1H), 7.71 (dd, 1H), 7.53 (d, 2H),    7.41-7.25 (m, 7H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 3.84 (s, 2H), 3.58    (s, 3H), 3.07 (bs, 3H), and 2.94 (bs, 3).-   MS: M⁺+1=452.2 Da-   Mp=171-173° C.-   Purity (HPLC): 100%

Example 201-Methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-3-[4-(piperidine-1-carbonyl)-benzyl]-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained, as a white solid, according to the procedureof Example 19, Step 2, but using piperidine.

-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 8.30 (s, 1H), 7.70 (dd, 1H), 7.53 (d, 2H),    7.41-7.25 (m, 7H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 2H), 3.65    (bs, 2H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.32 (bs, 2H), and 1.64 (bs, 6).-   MS: M⁺+1=492.3 Da-   Purity (HPLC): 100%

Example 21N-Ethyl-4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzamide

The compound is obtained, as a white solid, according to the procedureof Example 19, Step 2, but using ethylamine.

-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 8.37 (bt, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.82 (dd, 1H),    7.73 (dd, 2H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 7.41-7.32 (m, 6H), 7.26-7.22 (m, 1H),    5.14 (s, 2H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 3.50 (s, 3H), 3.24 (q, 2H), and 1.08 (t,    3).-   MS: M++1=452.3 Da-   Purity (HPLC): 100%

Example 221-Methyl-3-[4-(4-methyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzyl]-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

When in the procedure of Example 19, Step 2, dimethylamine is replacedwith N-methyl piperazine, and the reaction is concentrated andtriturated with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, the titlecompound is obtained as an off-white solid.

-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 8.30 (s, 1H), 7.70 (dd, 1H), 7.53 (d, 2H),    7.41-7.25 (m, 7H), 7.13 (d, 1H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 3.83 (bs, 4H), 3.58    (s, 3H), 3.48 (bs, 2H), 2.52 (bs, 4H), and 2.36 (s, 3).-   MS: M⁺+1=507.3 Da

Example 23N,N-Bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzamide

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 19, Step2, but using diethanolamine; the title compound is isolated as anoff-white solid.

-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 8.29 (s, 1H), 7.70 (dd, 1H), 7.52 (d, 2H),    7.41-7.25 (m, 7H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 3.94 (bs, 2H), 3.83    (s, 2H), 3.67 (bs, 4H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.42 (bs, 2H), and 2.93 (bs,    2).-   Ms: M⁺+1=512.3 Da

Example 243-(4-Hydroxymethyl-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

A solution of 0.5 g (1.1 mmol) of compound obtained in Example 19, Step1 in 50 ml of tetrahydrofuran, was added dropwise to a suspension of0.047 g (1.2 mmol) lithium aluminum hydride in 50 ml tetrahydrofuran at0° C. After complete addition, the off-white suspension was warmed toroom temperature and stirring was continued for 4 hours. The reactionmixture was concentrated in vacuum and carefully partitioned between 1 MHCl and ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over magnesiumsulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give an oily yellow solid.Chromatography (silica, 1:1 ethyl acetatelhexanes) gave 0.25 g of thetitle compound as a white solid.

-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 8.30 (s, 1H), 7.69 (dd, 1H), 7.50 (d, 2H),    7.41-7.25 (m, 7H), 7.11 (d, 1H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 4.64 (bs, 2H), 3.84    (s, 2H), 3.57 (s, 3H), and 1.56 (bs, 1).-   Ms: M⁺+1=411.2 Da-   Mp=161-164° C.-   Purity (HPLC): 100%

Example 253-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

Step 1: 3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

To a suspension of 6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione (0.300 g,0.993 mmol) in 8 ml of DMF was added cesium carbonate (0.971 g, 2.98mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 30 min, a solution of3-chlorobenzyl bromide (0.128 ml, 0.993 mmol) in 2 ml of DMF was addeddropwise to the reaction mixture and stirred overnight. After 24 hstirring at room temperature, white solids (cesium salt) were filteredand the solution was concentrated. The resulting suspension was dilutedwith 10 ml of ethyl acetate and filtered again. The filtrate wasconcentrated and trituration with 10 ml diethyl ether gave 0.25 g (59%)of a white solid.

-   MP: 164-166° C.-   MS(APCI+): m/z 427.0 (MH⁺)-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.51 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 5.09 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar),    7.26-7.37 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.37 (s, 1H, ArH), 8.05 (dd, J=8.78, 2.20    Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.27 (d, J=2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH).    Step 2:    3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

To a mixture of3-(3-chloro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione (0.224 g,0.525 mmol), CuI (0.010 g, 0.053 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.030 g, 0.026mmol), (after purging with nitrogen for 5 min) in 10 ml of anhydrousdioxane was added 3-phenyl-1-propyne (0.098 ml, 0.79 mmol), and followedby diisopropylamine (0.147 ml, 1.05 mmol). Under a nitrogen atmosphere,the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. After thereaction was completed, ethyl acetate (20 ml) was added and whitesolids, (H₂N(I—Pr)₂Br) were filtered through celite. The filtrate wasconcentrated. The product was purified by flash column chromatography onsilica gel (20% ethyl acetate:hexane) and concentrated. After stirringat room temperature for 24 h, the reaction mixture was concentratedaffording a yellow oil. Trituration with 10 ml of diethyl ether gave0.200 g (91.7%) of a white solid

-   MP: 164-166° C.;-   Anal. Calcd for C₂₅H₁₉N₂O₂Cl₁: C, 71.23; H, 4.72; N, 6.65. Found: C,    70.85; H, 4.39; N, 6.45.-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.50 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 3.90 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.10 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 7.22-7.47 (m, 10H, ArH), 7.82 (dd, J=8.78,    2.20, 1H, ArH), 8.02 (d, J=2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH); MS(APCI+): m/z 413.1    (MH⁻).

Example 263-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

Step 1: 3-(3-Fluoro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step1, but using 3-fluorobenzyl bromide and the compound obtained in thepreceding Step 1.

-   Weight: 0.30 g; Yield=75%-   MP=153-155° C.-   MS(APCI+): m/z 408.9 (MH⁺)-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.51 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 5.10 (s, 1H, NCH₂Ar),    7.05-7.30 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.31-7.35 (m, 2H, ArH), 8.06 (dd, J=8.78,    2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.26 (d, J=1.95 Hz, 1H, ArH).    Step 2:    3-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step2, but using 3-phenyl-1-propyne.

-   Weight: 0.24 g Yield=83%-   MP: 143-144° C.-   Anal. Calcd for C₂₅H₁₉N₂O₂F₁: C, 74.09; H, 4.91; N, 6.91. Found: C,    73.69; H, 4.61; N, 6.78.-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.50 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 3.90 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.12 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 7.14-7.41 (m, 9H, ArH), 7.46 (d, J=8.54 Hz,    1H, ArH), 7.81 (dd, J=8.78, 1.95 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.02 (d, J=2.20 Hz,    1H, ArH); MS(APCI+): m/z 397.1 (MH⁻).

Example 273-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

Step 1: 3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step1, but using 4-chlorobenzyl bromide.

-   Weight: 0.40 g Yield=94%-   MS(APCI+): m/z 424.9 (MH⁻)-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm):) 3.51 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 5.08 (s, 1H, NCH₂Ar),    7.27-7.34 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.31-7.35 (m, 2H, ArH), 8.06 (dd, J=8.78,    2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.26 (d, J=2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH).    Step 2:    3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step2, but using 3-phenyl-1-propyne and the compound obtained in thepreceding Step 1.

-   Weight: 0.10 g Yield=74%-   MP: 175-176° C.-   Anal. Calcd for C₂₅H₁₉N₂O₂Cl₁: C, 70.57; H, 4.33; N, 6.18. Found: C,    70.86; H, 4.56; N, 6.58-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.51 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 3.90 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.09 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 7.24-7.47 (m, 10H, ArH), 7.80 (dd, J=6.59,    2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.02 (d, J=2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH); MS(APCI+): m/z    413.1 (MH⁻).

Example 284-[6-(3-Imidazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoicacid; compound with trifluoro-acetic acid

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step2, but using 1-prop-2-ynyl-1H-imidazole.

-   Weight: 0.24 g Yield=96%-   Purity (HPLC)=98.2%-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.52 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 5.17 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.42 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 7.40 (d, J=8.30 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.51 (d, J=8.78    Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.84-7.89 (m, 4H, ArH), 8.14 (d, J=1.95 Hz, 1H, Ar).-   MS(APCI+): m/z 415.3 (MH⁺).

Example 293-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-6-(3-imidazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

Step 1: 3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step1, but using 3,4-difluorobenzyl bromide.

Step 2:3-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-6-(3-imidazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step2, but using 1-prop-2-ynyl-1H-imidazole and the compound obtained in thepreceding Step 1.

-   Weight: 0.26 g Yield=93%-   MP: 163-165° C.-   Purity (HPLC)=98.4%-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.50 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 5.08 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.19 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 6.96 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.17 (s, 1H, ArH),    7.30-7.41 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.48 (d, J=8.78 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.81-7.85 (m,    2H, ArH), 8.05 (d, J=2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH).-   MS(APCI+): m/z 407.3 (MH⁺).

Example 306-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step2, but using 1-chloro-4-prop-2-ynyl-benzene.

-   Weight: 0.20 g Yield=63%-   MP: 163-165° C.-   Purity (HPLC)=99.04%-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.50 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 3.91 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.08 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 7.17 (s, 1H, ArH), 7.30-7.47 (m, 7H, ArH),    7.82 (dd, J=6.59, 1.95 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.02 (d, J=1.95 Hz, 2H, ArH).-   MS(APCI+): m/z 449.1 (MH⁺).

Example 313-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-6-[3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step2, but using 1-chloro-4-prop-2-ynyl-benzene.

-   Weight: 0.03 g Yield=31%-   MP: 169-171° C.-   Anal. Calcd for C₂₅H₁₈N₂O₂Cl₂: C, 65.44; H, 4.19; N, 6.10. Found: C,    65.06; H, 3.96; N, 5.89-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.50 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 3.91 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.10 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 7.30-7.47 (m, 9H, ArH), 7.82 (dd, J=6.34, 2.20    Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.03 (d, J=1.95 Hz, 2H, ArH).-   Ms(APCI+): m/z 448.4 (MH⁺).

Example 323-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step2, but using 1-prop-2-ynyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazole.

-   Weight: 0.20 g Yield=70%-   MP: 167-169° C.-   Purity (HPLC)=95.2%.-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.54 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 5.07 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.62 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 7.30-7.37 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.48 (d, J=8.78 Hz,    1H, ArH), 7.78 (s, 1H, ArH); 7.84 (dd, J=6.59, 2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH),    8.06 (s, 1H, ArH), 8.29 (s, 1H, ArH).-   MS(APCI+): m/z 408.2 (MH⁺).

Example 333-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step2, but using 1-prop-2-ynyl-1H-[1,2,4]triazole.

-   Weight: 0.25 g Yield=88%-   MP: 185-187° C.-   Anal. Calcd for C₂₁H₁₅N₅O₂F₂: C, 59.4; H, 4.10; N, 16.3. Found: C,    59.7; H, 3.75; N, 16.1-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.54 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 5.07 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.41 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 7.32-7.35 (m, 3H, ArH), 7.47 (d, J=8.54 Hz,    1H, ArH), 7.85 (dd, J=8.78, 2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH); 8.02-8.05 (m, 2H,    ArH), 8.67 (s, 1H, Ar).-   Ms(APCI+): m/z 408.1 (MH⁺).

Example 343-(3,4-Dichloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step2, but using 1-prop-2-ynyl-1H-[1,2,4]triazole.

-   Weight: 0.20 g Yield=71%-   MP: 171-172° C.-   Anal. Calcd for C₂₁H₁₅N₅O₂Cl₂: C, 55.6; H, 3.75; N, 15.3. Found: C,    55.7; H, 3.56; N, 14.9-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.51 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 5.08 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.41 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 7.29-7.32 (dd, J=8.54, 1.95 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.48    (d, J=8.54 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.54 (d, J=8.30 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.59 (s, 1H,    ArH), 7.84 (dd, J=8.54, 1.95 Hz, 1H), 8.03-8.06 (m, 2H, ArH), 8.67    (s, 1H, ArH),-   MS(APCI+): m/z 441.1 (MH⁻).

Example 353-(3,4-Dichloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 25, Step2, but using 3-phenyl-1-propyne.

-   Weight: 0.10 g Yield=34%-   MP: 185-187° C.-   HPLC=95.2% purity-   N.M.R: DMSO ¹H δ (ppm): 3.50 (s, 3H, NCH₃), 3.90 (s, 2H, CCH₂Ar),    5.09 (s, 2H, NCH₂Ar), 7.30-7.60 (m, 7H, ArH), 7.82 (dd, J=6.83, 1.95    Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.02 (d, J=2.20 Hz, 1H, ArH).-   MS(APCI+): m/z 440.2 (MH⁺).

Example 363-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione

Step 1: 2-amino-N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-iodo-benzainide

To a stirred solution of 6.15 g (38 mmol) 4-fluoro-benzylaminehydrochloride and 3.84 g (38 mmol) triethylamine in 150 ml DMF are addedsuccessively 5.14 g (38 mmol) HOBT, 10 g (38 mmol) 2-amino-5-iodobenzoicacid and 7.29 g (38 mmol) EDAC at room temperature. After stirringovernight at this temperature, the solvent is removed under reducedpressure and the residue dissolved in dichloromethane. The organic phaseobtained is washed successively with water, 1N hydrochloric solution andwater, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to give the desiredproduct as a solid:

-   Weight: 13.2 g Yield: 94%    Step 2: 3-(4-fluoro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione

To a solution of 13.2 g (35.6 mmol) of the compound obtained in Step 1in 300 ml dry tetrahydrofurane are added 6.36 g (39.2 mmol) of1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole. The mixture obtained is heated at 60° C. understirring for 24 hours ; 6.36 g of 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole are added andthe solution stirred and heated for further 24 hours. The solvent isevaporated under reduced pressure, the residue triturated in 500 mlwater. Filter and dry to give a white solid.

-   Weight: 11.7 g Yield: 83%    Step 3: 3-(4-fluoro-benzyl)-6-iodo-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione

To a stirred suspension of 11.7 g (29.5 mmol) of the compound obtainedin Step 2 in 110 ml DMF were added 6.12 g (44.3 mmol) potassiumcarbonate and, 15 minutes later, 20.9 g (147 mmol) of iodomethane. Themixture is stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hour, the filtrateevaporated and the residue partitioned between water anddichloromethane. The organic phase is separated, washed with water,dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to give the desired productas a white solid.

-   Weight: 12 g Yield: 99%    Step 4:    3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-6-[3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione

To 0.5 g (1.21 mmol) of compound obtained in Step 3 and 0.625 g (4.84mmol) of N-ethyl, N,N-di-isopropylamine in 5 ml of dimethylformamide areadded bis-triphenylphosphine palladium dichloride (42 mg) followed byCuI (catalytic) under nitrogen atmosphere. 0.198 g (1.7 mmol)3-phenyl-prop-1-yne is added and the mixture is heated to 50° C. for 1.5hour. The mixture is allowed to cool, water added and the mixtureobtained stirred for 30 minutes. Filter and dry to give 0.58 g of crudesolid. Purify by chromatography (dichloromethane 70/cyclohexane 30eluent).

-   Weight: 0.37 g Yield: 77%-   Sample recrystallized in methanol-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm):; 3.57 (s, 3H); 3.84 (s, 2H); 5.22 (s, 2H);    6.92-7.02 (m, 2H); 7.11 (d, 1H); 7.27 (d, 1H); 7.31-7.44 (m, 4H);    7.47-7.56 (m, 2H); 7.69 (d, 1H); 8.30 (s, 1H).-   MP=160° C.-   Purity (HPLC): 99%

Example 373-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione

The compound is obtained according to the procedure of Example 36 fromStep 1 to Step 4, but using 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-yne (described inthe literature: J. Prakt. Chem., 1966, 33, 84-95) in Step 4 instead3-phenyl-prop-1-yne

-   Sample recrystallized in methanol-   Yield: 25%-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 3.58 (s, 3H); 3.77 (s, 2H); 3.81 (s, 2H);    5.22 (s, 2H); 6.89 (d, 2H); 6.94-7.01 (m, 2H); 7.11 (d, 1H); 7.31    (d, 2H); 7.49-7.54 (m, 2H); 7.68 (d, 1H); 8.29 (s, 1H).-   MP=136° C.-   Purity (HPLC): 98%

Example 383-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione

Step 1:3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-6-[2-trimethylsilyl-ethyn-1-yl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione

To a stirred solution of 2.0 g (4.87 mmol) of the compound preparedaccording to the procedure of Example 36 Step 3 and 2.52 g (4.84 mmol)of N-ethyl, N,N-di-isopropylamine in 20 ml of dimethylformamide is addedbis-triphenylphosphine palladium dichloride (170 mg, catalytic) followedby CuI (catalytic) under nitrogen atmosphere. 0.67 g (6.8 mmol) of2-trimethylsilylacetylene is added and the mixture is stirred at roomtemperature for 1.5 hour. The mixture is allowed to cool, water addedand the mixture obtained stirred for 30 minutes. Filter and dry to givethe crude product.

-   Weight: 1.8 g Yield: 97%    Step 2:    3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-6-(ethyn-1-yl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione

To a stirred solution of 0.5 g (1.31 mmol) of the compound obtained inStep 1 in 200 ml methanol is added 1.44 ml 1M NaOH solution. The mixtureis stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, the insoluble solid filteredoff and the filtrate concentrated under vacuum; the residue ispartitioned between water and dichloromethane, the organic phase isseparated, washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentratedto give the desired product as a white solid.

-   Weight: 0.4 g Yield: 100%    Step 3:    3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-propyn-1-yl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione

To a solution of 0.3 g (0.97 mmol) of the compound obtained in Step 2and 0.39 g (3.88 mmol) of triethylamine in 5 ml of benzene are addedsuccessively 34 mg (catalytic) of bis-triphenylphosphine palladiumdichloride and 0.23 g (1.36 mmol) of 4-methdxybenzoyl chloride. Themixture is heated at 70° C. under stirring for 1.5 hour, allowed to cooland partitioned between water and dichloromethane. The organic phase isseparated, washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentratedto give the crude product as 0.45 g of white solid. Purify bychromatography (dichloromethane eluent):

-   Weight: 0.2 g Yield: 46%-   N.M.R: CDCl₃ ¹H δ (ppm): 3.61 (s, 3H); 3.91 (s, 3H); 5.24 (s, 2H);    6.93-7.03 (m, 3H); 7.21-7.28 (m, 2H); (d, 1H); 7.49-7.57 (m, 2H);    7.92 (d, 1H); 8.18 (d, 2H); 8.54 (s, 1H).-   MP=240° C.-   Purity (HPLC)=96%

Pharmacological Studies of Compounds of the Invention Example 39Evaluation of the in vitro Activity of the MMP-13 Inhibitor CompoundsAccording to the Invention

The inhibitory activity of the compounds of formula (I) according to theinvention with respect to matrix metalloprotease-13 is evaluated bytesting the ability of the compounds of the invention to inhibit theproteolysis of a peptide substrate with MMP-13.

The peptide substrate used in the test is the following peptide:Ac-Pro-Leu-Gly-thioester-Leu-Leu-Gly-OEt.

The inhibitory activity of a compound of formula (I) according to theinvention is expressed as the IC₅₀ value, which is the concentration ofinhibitor for which an inhibition of 50% of the activity of the matrixmetalloprotease under consideration is observed.

To carry out this test, a reaction medium of 100 μl volume is prepared,containing: 50 mM of HEPES buffer, 10 mM of CaCl₂ and 1 mM of5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), and 100 μM of substrate,the pH being adjusted to 7.0. Increasing concentrations of theinhibitory compound present in a 2.0% DMSO solution and 2.5 nM of thecatalytic domain of human MMP-13 are added to the test samples. Theconcentrations of inhibitors present in the test samples range from 100μM to 0.5 nM. The measurement of the proteolysis of the substratepeptide is monitored by measuring the absorbence at 405 nm using aspectrophotometer for reading microplates, at the laboratorytemperature, the measurements being carried out continuously for 10 to15 minutes. The IC₅₀ values are calculated from a curve in which thepercentage of the catalytic activity relative to the control isrepresented on the X-axis and the concentration of inhibitor isrepresented on the Y-axis. The IC₅₀ values on MMP-13 of the compounds ofExamples 1 to 38 are all below 10 μM.

The test described above for the inhibition of MMP-13 was also adaptedand used to determine the ability of the compounds of formula (I) toinhibit the matrix metalloproteases MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9,MMP-12 and MMP-14. The results obtained show that the compoundsaccording to the invention generally have IC₅₀ values for MMP-13 whichare about 100 times lower than the IC₅₀ values for the same compoundswith respect to the other matrix metalloproteases tested.

1. A compound selected from those of formula (I):

wherein W₁ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a —NR₃ group inwhich R₃ represents hydrogen atom, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxyl or cyano, W₂represents a group selected from: hydrogen atom, trifluoromethyl, amino,mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,cycloakyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, 5- or 6-membered monocycle heteroaryl, and 5- or6-membered monocycle heterocycloalkyl, each of these groups beingoptionally substituted by one to four groups, which may be identical ordifferent independently of each other, selected from halogen, amino,mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, cyano,trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₇)acyl, —C(═O)OR₄, —OR₄ and —SR₄, whereinR₄, represents a hydrogen atom or a (C₁-C₆)alkyl group, X₁, X₂ and X₃,identical or different independently of each other, represent a carbonatom, the said carbon atom being optionally substituted by one groupselected from: (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, halogen,trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, —S(O)_(n1)R₄ wherein n₁ represents aninteger from 0 to 2 inclusive and R₄ represents an hydrogen atom or a(C₁-C₆)alkyl group, and —NR₁₀R₁₁, wherein: R₁₀ and R₁₁, which may beidentical or different independently of each other, represent a groupselected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, andaryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, or R₁₀ and R₁₁ form together with the nitrogen atom towhich there are bound, a 5- or 6-ring members which can optionallycontain a second hetero atom selected from nitrogen and oxygen, andwhich can be optionally substituted by a (C₁-C₆)alkyl group, n is aninteger from 0 to 8 inclusive, Z represents —CR₁₂R₁₃, wherein R₁₂ andR₁₃, identical or different independently of each other, represent agroup selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl,halogen, amino, mono(C₁C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, —OR₄, —SR₄,—C(═O)OR₄, R₄ being as defined hereinbefore, or —CR₁₂R₁₃ form together acarbonyl group, and wherein when n is greater than or equal to 2, thehydrocarbon chain Z optionally contains one or two isolated orconjugated multiple bonds, and/or wherein when n is greater than orequal to 2 one of said —CR₁₂R₁₃ may be replaced with a group selectedfrom oxygen, S(O)_(n2) in which n2 represents an integer from 0 to 2inclusive, —NH and —N(C₁-C₆)alkyl, A represents a group selected fromaryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl, these groups being a5- or 6-membered monocycle, or bicycle itself composed of two 5-or6-membered monocycles, the groups R₂, which may be identical ordifferent independently of each other, are selected from hydrogen,(C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR₁₀R₁₁,—OR₁₄, —SR₁₄, —SOR₁₄, —SO₂R₁₄, (C₁-C₇)acyl, —(CH₂)_(k)NR₁₀R₁₁,—X₅(CH₂)_(k)NR₁₀R₁₁, —(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄,—(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅,—X₆—R₁₆ and tri(C₁-C₅)alkyl-Si—O— in which each alkyl is identical ordifferent independently of each other, and in which: X₅ represents anoxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a —NH group, or a —N(C₁-C₆)alkyl group, k isan integer from 0 to 3 inclusive, R₁₀ and R₁₁ are as definedhereinbefore, R₁₄ and R₁₅, identical or different independently of eachother, represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, X₆ represents a single bond,—CH₂—, an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom which, is optionally substitutedby one or two oxygen atoms, R₁₆ represents a group selected from aryl,heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, and cycloalkyl, each of these groups beingoptionally substituted by one to four groups, which may be identical ordifferent independently of each other, selected from (C₁-C₆)alkyl,halogen, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, mercapto,(C₁-C₆)alkylthio, amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, and di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino,q is an integer from 0 to 7 inclusive, R₁ represents hydrogen,(C₁-C₆)alkyl or the group of formula:

in which: m is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive, Y represents —CR₁₈R₁₉,wherein R₁₈ and R₁₉ identical or different independently of each other,represent a group selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, and phenyl, andwherein when m is greater than or equal to 2, the hydrocarbon chain Yoptionally contains one multiple bond, and/or wherein when in is greaterthan or equal to 2, one of said —CR₁₈R₁₉ may be replaced with a groupselected from oxygen, —S(O)_(n3) wherein n3 is an integer from 0 to 2inclusive, and —NH—, B represents a group selected from phenyl,pyridinyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, furyl, benzodioxolyl, beuzodioxinyl,benzothienyl, benzofuryl, benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazolyl,benzo-1,2,5-oxadiazolyl, naphthyl and indolyl, r is an integer from 0 to3 inclusive, the group(s) R₁₇ which may be identical or different,independently of each other, are selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,halogen, cyano, nitro, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR₁₄R₁₅, —OR₁₄,—SO₂R₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄,—(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅wherein: k is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive, X₅ represents an oxygenatom, a sulfur atom, or a group —NH—, R₁₄ and R₁₅, identical ordifferent independently of each other, represent a hydrogen atom or a(C₁-C₆)alkyl group, with the proviso that when W₁ represents —NR₃, W₂represents hydrogen atom, X₁ and X₂ represent each a —CH group, X₃represents nitrogen atom, n is equal to zero, A represents a phenylgroup, q is equal to one, R₁ represents hydrogen atom, and R₂ representsa group —(CH₂)_(k)—CO₂R₁₄ bound on the para position of the phenyl ring,then k is an integer from 1 to 6, and also with the proviso thatcompounds of formula (I) are not2-amino-6-phenylethynyl-3H-pteridin-4-one, and optionally, its opticalisomers, N-oxides, and addition salts thereof with apharmaceutically-acceptablc acid or base, it being understood that: anaryl group denotes an aromatic monocyclc or bicyclic system containingfrom 5 to 10 carbon atoms, and in the case of a bicyclic system, one ofthe ring of which is aromatic in character, and the other ring of whichmay be aromatic or partially hydrogenated; a heteroaryl group denotes anaryl group as described above in which 1 to 4 carbon atoms are replacedby 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen; acycloalkyl group denotes a monocyclic or bicyclic system containing from3 to 10 carbon atoms, this system being saturated or partiallyunsaturated but without aromatic character; a heterocycloalkyl groupdenotes a cycloalkyl group as defined hereinbefore in which 1 to 4carbon atoms are replaced by 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from oxygen,sulfur, and nitrogen.
 2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein: W₁represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a —NR₃ group in which R₃represents hydrogen atom, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxyl or cyano, W₂ representsa group selected from: hydrogen atom, trifluoromethyl, amino,mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl,cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, 5- or 6-membered monocycle heteroaryl, and 5- or6-membered monocycle heterocycloalkyl, each of these groups beingoptionally substituted by one to four groups, which may be identical ordifferent independently of each other, selected from halogen, amino,mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, cyano,trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₇)acyl, —C(═O)OR₄, —OR₄ and —SR₄, whereinR₄ represents a hydrogen atom or a (C₁-C₆)alkyl group, and X₁, X₂, X₃,R₁, R₂, A, Z, n and q are as defined in claim 1, optionally, its opticalisomers, N-oxides, and addition salts thereof with apharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.
 3. A compound according toclaim 1 wherein: W₂ represents a group selected from hydrogen atom,(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl and (C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, W₁represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, X₁ represents a —CH group,X₂ represents a —CH group or a nitrogen atom, X₃ represents a —CH group,and R₁, R₂, A, Z, n and q are as defined in claim 1, optionally, itsoptical isomers, N-oxides, and addition salts thereof with apharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.
 4. A compound according toclaim 1 wherein: W₂ represents a group selected from hydrogen atom,amino, mono(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, di(C₁-C₆)alkylamino, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, and(C₃-C₆)cycloalkyl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, W₁ represents an oxygen atom or a sulfuratom, X₁ represents a nitrogen atom or a —CH group X₂ represents a —CHgroup, X₃ represents a —CH group, and R₁, R₂, A, Z, n and q are asdefined in claim 1, optionally, its optical isomers, N-oxides, andaddition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.5. A compound according to claim 1 wherein: W₂ represents a group(C₁-C₆)alkyl, W₁ represents an oxygen atom, X₁ represents a —CH group,X₂ represents a —CH group, X₃ represents a —CH group, and R₁, R₂, A, Z,n and q are as defined in claim 1, optionally, its optical isomers,N-oxides, and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptableacid or base.
 6. A compound according to claim 1 wherein: A represents agroup selected from phenyl, pyridyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, furyl,benzodioxolyl, benzodioxinyl, benzothienyl, benzofuryl,benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, benzo-1,2,5-oxadiazolyl and indolyl, q is aninteger from 0 to 4 inclusive, the group(s) R₂, which may be identicalor different, are selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen, cyano,nitro, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR₁₄R₁₅, —OR₁₄, —SO₂R₁₄,—(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄,—X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅ and —X₆—R₁₆ in which:X₅ represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a —NH group, k is aninteger from 0 and 3 inclusive, R₁₄ and R₁₅ identical or different,independently of each other, represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, X₆represents an oxygen atom, R₁₆ represents a phenyl group which isoptionally substituted with one or more groups, which may be identicalor different, independently of each other, selected from (C₁-C₆)alkyl,halogen, and hydroxyl, and W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃, R₁, Z and n are asdefined in claim 1, optionally, its optical isomers, N-oxides, andaddition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.7. A compound according to claim 1 wherein: A represents a groupselected from phenyl, pyridinyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, furyl, andbenzodioxolyl, q is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive, the group(s) R₂,which may be identical or different, independently of each other, areselected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, halogen, cyano, nitro,trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR₁₄R₁₅, —OR₁₄, —SO₂R₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅,—X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅,and —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅ in which: X₅ represents an oxygen atom, asulfur atom, or a —NH group, k is an integer from 0 and 3 inclusive, R₁₄and R₁₅, identical or different, independently of each other, representhydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, and W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃, R₁, Z and n are asdefined in claim 1, optionally, its optical isomers, N-oxides, andaddition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.8. A compound according to claim 1 wherein: A represents a groupselected from phenyl, imidazolyl, 1H[1,2,3]triazolyl, and1H[1,2,4]triazolyl, q is an integer from 0 to 2 inclusive, the group(s)R₂, which may be identical or different, independently of each other,are selected from hydrogen, —OR₁₄, —X₆—R₁₆, and tri(C₁-C₆)alkyl-Si—O— inwhich each alkyl is identical or different independently of each other,in which: R₁₄ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl, X₆ represents asingle bond, R₁₆ represents a phenyl group and W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃, R₁, Zand n are as defined in claim 1, optionally, its optical isomers,N-oxides, and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptableacid or base.
 9. A compound according to claim 1 wherein n is equal toone, optionally, its optical isomers, N-oxides, and addition saltsthereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.
 10. A compoundaccording to claim 1 wherein Z represents a group —CR₁₂R₁₃ in which R₁₂and R₁₃ represent each a hydrogen atom, optionally, its optical isomers,N-oxides, and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptableacid or base.
 11. A compound according to claim 1 wherein A represents aphenyl group or a 1-imidazolyl group optionally substituted by one groupR₂ as defined in claim 1, optionally, its optical isomers, N-oxides, andaddition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.12. A compound according to claim 11 wherein A represents a phenyl groupoptionally substituted by one group R₂ as defined in claim 1,optionally, its optical isomers, N-oxides, and addition salts thereofwith a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.
 13. A compoundaccording to claim 11 wherein A, R₂ and q, took together, represent apara-methoxyphenyl group, optionally, its optical isomers, N-oxides, andaddition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.14. A compound according to claim 1 wherein: R₁ represents a group offormula:

in which: m is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive, Y represents —CR₁₈R₁₉,wherein R₁₈ and R₁₉, identical or different independently of each other,represent a group selected from hydrogen and methyl, and wherein when mis greater than or equal to 2, the hydrocarbon chain Y optionallycontains one double bond, and/or wherein when m is greater than or equalto 2, one of said —CR₁₈R₁₉ may be replaced with a group selected fromoxygen, —S(O)_(n3) wherein n3 is an integer from 0 to 2 inclusive, and—NH—, B represents a group selected from phenyl, pyridinyl, thienyl,imidazolyl, furyl, and benzodioxolyl, r is an integer from 0 to 3inclusive, the group(s) R₁₇ which may be identical or different,independently of each other, are selected from hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl,halogen, cyano, nitro, trihalogeno(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —NR₁₄R₁₅, —OR₁₄,—SO₂R₁₄, —(CH₂)_(k)SO₂NR₁₄R₁₅, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄,(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)OR₁₄, —X₅(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅, —(CH₂)_(k)C(═O)NR₁₄R₁₅wherein: k is an integer from 0 to 3 inclusive, X₅ represents an oxygenatom, a sulfur atom, or a group —NH, R₁₄ and R₁₅, identical or differentindependently of each other, represent a hydrogen atom or a (C₁-C₆)alkylgroup, and W₁, W₂, X₁, X₂, X₃, R₂, Z, n and q are as defined in claim 1,optionally, its optical isomers, N-oxides, and addition salts thereofwith a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.
 15. A compoundaccording to claim 2 wherein W₂ represents an oxygen atom, W₁ representa —NR₃ group in which R₃ represents a linear or branched (C₁-C₆)alkylgroup and R₁ represent a group of formula:

in which Y, B, R₁₇, m and r are as defined in claim 1, optionally, itsoptical isomers, N-oxides, and addition salts thereof with apharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.
 16. A compound according toclaim 15 wherein R₁ represent a group of formula:

in which m is equal to one, Y represents a methylene group, B representsa phenyl group which is optionally substituted by one group R₁₇ whichrepresents a group (CH₂)_(k)—C(═O)OR₁₄ in which k and R₁₄ are as definedin claim 1, optionally, its optical isomers, N-oxides, and additionsalts thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid or base.
 17. Acompound according to claim 1, which is selected from: methyl4-{6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoate,4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoicacid,4-{6-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoicacid,4-(1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(2-phenylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoicacid,3-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione,3-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione,methyl4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate,3-(4-fluorobenzyl)-6-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazolin-2,4-dione,3-(3-chloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,3-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,3-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,3-(4-bromo-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,tert-butyl4-[6-(3-biphenyl-4-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate,tert-butyl4-{6-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl}-benzoate,4-[6-(3-imidazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoicacid-trifluoro-acetic acid,3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-6-(3-imidazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,2-dimethylamino-ethyl4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoate,4-(6-{3-[4-(tert-butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-phenyl]-prop-1-ynyl}-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl)-benzoicacid,N,N-dimethyl-4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzamide,1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-3-[4-(piperidine-1-carbonyl)-benzyl]-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,N-ethyl-4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzamide,6-[3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,3-(3-chloro-benzyl)-6-[3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,3-(4-hydroxymethyl-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,1-methyl-3-[4-(4-methyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-benzyl]-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,N,N-bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-4-[1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzamide,3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-6-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-prop-1-ynyl]-1-methyl-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,3-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,3-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione,and3-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-1-methyl-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1H-quinazoline-2,4-dione.18. A pharmaceutical composition comprising as active ingredient aneffective amount of a compound as claimed in claim 1, alone or incombination with one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier orexcipient.
 19. A method for treating a living body afflicted with adisease that is mediated by a matrix metalloproteinase-13 enzyme,comprising the step of admistering to the living body an amount of acompound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically aeceptable salt thereof,which is effective for treatment of the disease, wherein the disease isrheumatoid arthritis.